Lot 18: Arthur Joseph Gaskin (British, 1862-1928) Five illustrations for 'Good King Wenceslas' various sizes, the largest 21.5 x 13 cm (8 7/16 x 5 1/8 in.), the smallest 21 x 12 cm (8 1/4 x 4 3/4 in.) unframed

Five illustrations for 'Good King Wenceslas' together with five proof prints and a letter from the artist
all signed with initials (lower left)
pen and black ink
21 x 12cm (8 1/4 x 4 3/4in).various sizes, the largest 21.5 x 13 cm (8 7/16 x 5 1/8 in.), the smallest 21 x 12 cm (8 1/4 x 4 3/4 in.)
unframed
(11)

Published:
Good King Wenceslaus a carol written by Dr Neale and pictured by Arthur J. Gaskin with an introduction by William Morris (Birmingham Messrs Cornish Brs & New Street MDCCCXCV).

The letter which accompanies the original drawings and print proofs reads:

'375 Feb 7 93
My Dear Hudson,
Will you accept these proofs of the Good King Wenceslas drawings. They are pulled on Morris paper and I think they are rather well printed considering they are rather rough pulls - I am going to try to print the whole set myself and WM has promished a little preface I think (and hope in the future to do something in the printing line) that Morris's name in connection with my printing will perhaps be a good thing. I will tell you all about it when I see you, a good talk. With kind regards to Mrs Hudson, yours ever, Arthur Gaskin'.

One of the illustrations in the book, entitled 'when a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel' was used by Gaskin as his diploma work for the Royal Society of Painter Etchers and Engravers, to which he was elected Associate on 4th January. In 1895 Gaskin published Good King Wenceslas with six illustrations including an alternative design of the gathering of wood.