5RR Gowans’s Art Books, Interior pages printed in London, 1908. Hand Painted Florentine Binding.
Notes
Artists include Reynolds, Andrea Del Sato, Rubens, Tintoretto, Titian, Rembrandt, Raphael, Velazquez, Veronese, Fra Angelico, Botticelli, and Murillo. Gowans & Gray was a prominent publisher of art books in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for producing high-quality publications that became popular among tourists and art enthusiasts. Based in the United Kingdom, the company specialized in art books that focused on famous art collections, galleries, and landmarks, making them particularly appealing to travelers visiting major cultural destinations. Their books often included reproductions of famous paintings, detailed descriptions of art pieces, and historical context about the artworks and artists featured. These publications were well-crafted and sought after by tourists who wanted to take home a visual record of the art and architecture they encountered during their travels.
Gowans & Gray were well known for producing smaller art books with distinctive Florentine bindings, which became popular among tourists, especially in the early 1900s. These smaller volumes, often pocket-sized, featured hand-painted Florentine bindings that were beautifully crafted and richly decorated. The Florentine style was influenced by traditional Italian craftsmanship, and the bindings typically incorporated intricate designs using gold leaf, vibrant colors, and elaborate patterns, making them visually striking and highly collectible.
These art books were particularly appealing to tourists because they not only offered insights into famous artworks, landmarks, or cultural sites, but also served as beautiful keepsakes or souvenirs from their travels. The hand-painted bindings gave these books a unique, luxurious quality, setting them apart from more mass-produced publications. They were often produced in limited editions, adding to their desirability among collectors and travelers looking for a tangible reminder of their experiences in Europe’s art-rich cities. Gowans & Gray’s Florentine-bound art books, with their combination of exquisite craftsmanship and artistic content, became cherished items, encapsulating the elegance and cultural richness of the era.
Description
12 books in vellum binding with hand painted upper boards and spines. Each first letter of the artists name is painted to take up most of the front cover along with colorful decorative elements and calligraphy. Name of each featured artist in calligraphy on each spine. Red silk bookmark in each. Floral endpapers. High quality reproductions of artists most famous works throughout each book. Some yellowing to the white vellum. Very fine condition. Plastic sleeves to keep vellum from bowing.
