A COMPLETE COLLECTION OF KELMSCOTT PRESS BOOKS OFFERED IN A SINGLE OWNER SALE AT BONHAMS
The Works ... now newly imprinted by Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400), estimated at $60,000 – 90,000.
New York – A complete collection of the books published by Kelmscott Press – the passion project of celebrated designer and writer William Morris (1834-1896) – will be offered at auction for the first time in half a century at Bonhams in New York on December 17. Featuring a copy of each of the 53 books published by the Kelmscott Press during its seven-year run, the collection notably includes numerous association copies presented by Morris to important contemporaries such as Edward Burne-Jones, Sydney Cockerell, Rudyard Kipling, and A.C. Swinburne as well as copies on vellum of desirable Kelmscott titles. The extraordinary collection hails from Joseph Mark Van Horn (1932-1983), an entrepreneur and inventor, who procured rare volumes with a particular focus on works related to Morris and his printing press from respected dealers and auctions in the 1960s and 1970s. After Van Horn’s untimely passing in 1983, the collection was inherited by his fiancée, Laura Carchia, who beautifully preserved the books for the last 40 years.
“Van Horn’s astounding collection is a rare opportunity for collectors. These copies have been off the market for nearly half a century and collections of this caliber are extremely rare.”
While he is now renowned as a preeminent 19th century designer, Morris was best known during his lifetime as a prolific writer of poetry and fiction. Founded in 1891, Kelmscott Press was an opportunity for Morris to combine his passions for both literature and design by publishing illuminated-style, limited-edition books. Known for its commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, the press sought to replicate the styles of 15th-century printing while incorporating elements of Morris’ own distinct aesthetic vision. Instrumental in sparking the contemporary fine press movement, Kelmscott Press produced 53 books in 66 volumes, each painstakingly designed and printed by hand, from 1981 until Morris’ death in 1896.
The crowning achievement of Morris and Kelmscott Press was the 1896 edition of the complete works of Geoffrey Chaucer (1343-1400). Known as the Kelmscott Chaucer, it is considered one of the most beautiful books ever printed, celebrated for its intricate wood engravings and exquisite design. Printed in a limited edition, this masterpiece was illustrated by renowned artist Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1899) and is a defining example of the fine press tradition. The copy offered in the sale is estimated at $60,000 – 90,000.
A Note on the Founding of The Kelmscott Press by William Morris (1834-1896), estimated at $30,000 - 50,000.
Highlights published by Kelmscott Press include:
A Note on the Founding of The Kelmscott Press by Morris, one of only 12 copies printed on Vellum and the last book printed by the Press. Estimate: $30,000 – 50,000.
Of the Friendship of Amis and Amile, an extremely rare copy, translated from the ancient French by Morris. One of only 15 copies printed on Vellum, it is the first copy of this type to be sold at auction in 80 years. Estimate: $15,000 – 25,000.
The Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine (c. 1230-1298) and translated by William Caxton. Inscribed by Morris and presented to his friend and collaborator Burne-Jones. Estimate: $10,000 – 15,000.
The Book of Wisdom and Lies translated by Oliver Wardrop. Inscribed by Morris to illustrious poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936). Estimate: $10,000 – 15,000.
A rare and beautiful example of an original title-page design by Morris for Ballads and Narrative Poems by Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882). Estimate: $8,000 – 12,000.
Additional highlights of the collection include:
A first edition of The Nuremberg Chronicle, 1493 by Hartmann Schedel (1440-1514), the most extensively illustrated book of the 15th century. Estimate: $30,000 – 50,000.
The Flower Book. Reproductions of Thirty-Eight Watercolour Designs 1905 by Burne-Jones, a limited edition featuring 38 colored plates. Estimate: $3,000 – 5,000.
The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides (c. 460-395 BC) and published by Ashendene Press a limited edition run in 1930. Estimate: $3,000 – 5,000.
About The Bonhams Network
Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.
Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.
In 2023, Bonhams achieved 14% growth with $1.14 billion in turnover. Recent important auctions and landmark single-owner collections, include the white glove sales of Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection, Alain Delon: Sixty Years of Passion; Sir Roger Moore: The Personal Collection; Personal Property of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and The Robert & Jean-Pierre Rousset Collection of Asian Art: A Century of Collecting. Other notable single-owner sales included The Estate of Barbara Walters: American Icon; The Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; The Crown Auction: Props and Costumes and The Claude de Marteau Collection.
Top lots for 2023 include 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta, Sold at Quail Lodge, US for US$30,255,000. Tipu Sultan’s Bedchamber Sword (sold in London for £14m – a world record for both an Islamic and an Indian object); Paul Signac (1863-1935), Sisteron, 1902. Sold for US$8,580,000 (estimate US$4-6 million), and Claude Monet (1840-1926), La Seine près de Giverny, 1888. Sold for US$6,352,500 (estimate US$4-6m), both from the Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; A Gilt Copper Alloy figure of Virupaksha, Central Tibet, Densatil Monastery, Early 15th century. Sold for HK$37.9m (£4,060,326) in Hong Kong. Yoshitomo Nara (born 1959) Three Stars. Sold for HK$36,754,000 (£3,930,914), also in Hong Kong.
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