Yesterday we had our chimney swept and our friendly sweep, knowing that I am an ‘old-time printer’, brought along a box of assorted printing blocks for me to look at.
Along with the ubiquitous halftones, military shields and farm animals, one block caught my eye as I recognised it to be an original wood engraving. On closer inspection it was obviously engraved by a highly skilled individual and it was then that I noticed a signature on the side that identified it as the work of the noted 20th century wood engraver, Reynolds Stone (1900-1979).
The engraving bears a shield containing the heads of two dogs and a pegasus, above the motto ‘Arte et Scientia Ditamur’. This translates as ‘We are enriched by art and science’ and was the motto of the Mid-Essex Technical College & School of Art (now part of the Anglia Ruskin University). The fine detail of the lettering demonstrates Reynold Stone’s particular skill in letter carving and the leg of the terminal ‘R’ is wonderfully elegant.
Taped to the underside of the block I found a small, but stern, warning to printers, stating that the block is not to be printed and is to be used for the making of master printing blocks (electroplates) only. Needless to say, I ignored this note and printed, with great care, a small number of prints for my friends in the Letterpress Exchange Group.
The wood engraving, by Reynolds Stone, measuring 14 by 12 ems.
‘We are enriched by art and science’.
A stern warning to printers!
4 Comments
What an amazing find – I hope the sweep knows what a treasure he has.
You’ve spoilt the surprise for your fellow LEGends, though.
Dear Justin
I am the daughter of Reynolds Stone and I came across the story about my father’s wood engraving block on your blog by complete chance. It would be of great interest to our family to know the whereabouts of the block now, and also perhaps to have a copy of any of the fine looking prints that you made from the block itself. I look forward to hearing from you
Best
Emma Beck
Dear Emma,
Thanks for your message and I’m delighted you stumbled across my article about the block your father engraved. I am a huge fan of your fathers work and have been enjoying the website you have set up for the centenary of his birth.
The block is still in my possession and I would be very happy to send you some prints that I have made from it, if you can let me have your postal address.
Best wishes,
Justin
I do not wish to be pedantic but it should be electrotypes not electroplates.
Barry Adams ex Electrotyper and Stereotyper