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(RACKHAM, Arthur) BARRIE, J. M.
The Peter Pan Portfolio … from "Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens" …
First edition, one of 500 copies signed by the publisher and the engraver. The only suite of Rackham's plates to be issued in an oversize portfolio format, with 12 of the artist's personal favourites from Rackham's Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens reproduced at their original size, published to capitalize on the popularity of the stage production Peter and Wendy. Of Rackham's designs Barrie wrote, "I like best of all the Serpentine with the fairies, and the Peter in his night-gown sitting in the tree. Next I would [sic] the flying Peters, the fairies going to the ball (as in the 'tiff' and the fairy on cobweb)—the fairies sewing the leaves with their sense of fun (the gayest thing this) and your treatment of snow" (Ray 329). Perhaps Barrie's comments influenced Rackham's selection, as this portfolio includes all the images he mentioned.
Elephant folio (19½ × 21½ ins). Original half japon laced at spine with later silk cord to style, green cloth boards, silk ties renewed to style. 12 plates reproduced in full size from the original artwork, mounted on card and matted. Excellent condition.
