MEDIA RELEASE: Rare Art Deco sketchbooks donated to GSA Library

October 30, 2015


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Two rare Art Deco sketchbooks by Pickford Waller which have been donated to the GSA Library


The Friends of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA) have purchased two original Art Deco
sketchbooks by designer Pickford Waller for the GSA’s rare book collection in
solidarity after the fire. The sketchbooks, dated 1925 and 1926, feature
colourful and ornate Art Deco ornaments and designs intended for
bookplates. They were presented to The Glasgow School of Art today, 30
October 2015.




Anne West, Director of the Friends of the British Antique Dealers’ Association, and Rebecca Oliva, GSA Graduate Trainee Librarian, with one of  Pickford Waller’s sketchbooks which have been gifted to the GSA 

Pickford R. Waller (1849-1930) was born in London to
builder Robert John Waller and Harriet Shafto Pickford. An artist/designer
Waller created book-plates and book decorations in Art Nouveau and Art Deco
styles for Hans Christian Andersen, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and Robert Laurence
Binyon. Waller also designed book decorations for Scottish artist James
Guthrie’s Pear Tree Press. 

“I am delighted that the Trust
has been able to present the GSA Library with these wonderful sketchbooks,”
says, Anne Green, Friends Director for the BADA. “Not only will they add to the GSA’s
collection, but they will also benefit students in years  to come.”

As well as holding several volumes by Waller’s associate James Guthrie, The
Glasgow School of Art Library also holds a large arts 
book collection by Art
Nouveau and Art Deco designers such as Ann Macbeth, Talwin Morris, Jessie M.
King, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

“We are grateful to the
British Antique Dealers’ Association for this generous gift,” says GSA Librarian, David Buri. “The sketchbooks are a perfect addition to our holdings as they are
further examples of the period and style that The Glasgow School of Art Library
specialises in. They will be an excellent resource for researchers and artists
now and in the future.”

Ends

Further information
Lesley Booth
0779 941 4474

press@gsa.ac.uk