Lot 103: Braby (Dorothea, 1909-1987). An archive of

Braby (Dorothea, 1909-1987). An archive of preparatory work for The Ninety-First Psalm, pub. Golden Cockerel Press, 1944, comprising Braby's sketchbook, containing numerous pencil drawings and sketches, incl. a number for The Ninety-First Psalm, thirteen wood engs., one scraperboard illust., and several proof leaves, sketchbook 280 x 210 mm, remaining items smaller Dorothea Braby was born in London and studied at the Central School of Art and Design under John Farleigh and Noel Rooke, and later in Florence, Paris and at Heatherley School of Fine Art. She worked as a portrait painter and as a commercial artist, but is best known for her book illustrations. Working mostly in black and white, her illustrations are produced by wood engraving, pen and ink, or occasionally by scraperboard. Her best work was done for private presses, particularly the Golden Cockerel Press. Her wood engravings were uniquely conceived and brilliantly executed and her creative talents flourished during the revival of wood engravin that took place in the inter-war period. In her own lifetime she was recognised as an exceptionally gifted wood engraver and she regularly exhibited at the Society of Women Artists and the Society of Wood Engravers. In 1960, however, Dorothea Braby gave up professional art to devote herself to social work. (a folder)