Sir James Richards (1907 - 92) was editor of the Architectural Review from 1937 to 1971 and architectural correspondent to The Times for over 20 years.

His enthusiasm for autolithography and children's books - he also launched the famous Puffin Picture Book series - made him the ideal publisher for High Street, although Ravilious also benefited from the invaluable support of the Curwen Press. Only 2,000 copies of the original book were printed before the lithographic plates were destroyed in the London Blitz. illustrated, 4to, dark blue cloth, paper title label mounted on upper cover, silver gilt spine title, paper-covered slipcase.Eric Ravilious (1903–1942) was a painter, designer, illustrator and wood engraver, and he remains one of the best-known English artists of the 1930s. With the addition of text from Ravilious's friend, Jim Richards, what was produced was one of the most famous and iconic illustrated books of the twentieth century. If you're interested in the history of the British high street, you might enjoy this extract from 'Eric Ravilious: The Story of High Street', which was published in 2008 by The Mainstone Press. A close friend of Edward Bawden, he evoked the English landscape, culture and customs in his striking watercolours and ceramic designs. Only 2000 copies printed as the lithographic plates were destroyed during the Blitz (according to Mainstone Press, who published a limited edition facsimile with essays and further illustrations in 2008).

Happily Russell also discovered that two of the businesses are still trading from their original premises. Small bump to bottom corner of front cover, otherwise fine in fine card slipcase (apparently most copies were issued without the slipcase).Selected items may be purchased early for dispatch from the future date given in their product information. for The story of High Street, after the publisher had observed that the ‘Knife Grinder’ lithograph looked better when printed on the more generously-sized pages of Country Fair (The Country Life Annual, 1938). Seventy years later, almost to the day, the Mainstone Press published what is effectively a facsimile of Ravilious’s now much-coveted last book, along with two twenty-first century commentaries.

The book was never reprinted because the original plates were destroyed in a bombing raid in 1942 (in the same year Ravilious, who was a captain in the Royal Marines and an official war artist, was killed in action). M. Richards pointed out in the foreword to the 1938 book, all real places, but in many cases we are given only tantalising clues as to their name or location. Its importance in Ravilious’s oeuvre was assured, and a copy was displayed in the memorial exhibition organised by the Arts Council in 1948. First published in 1938, this classic book introduces the British High Street, only 2000 copies of the original book were printed before the lithographic plates were destroyed in the London Blitz.Due to the scarcity of the book and the increased interest in Ravilious' work, the High Street book is generally sold in its entire published form.

From about 1934 some publishers in the UK had experimented with the material as dust jackets over decorated boards. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice. copies of the book were printed, and doubtless more would have followed, but unfortunately the world had other ideas, with the original lithographic plates being destroyed in the blitz, which resulted in the original editions becoming extremely sought after. All items can be assumed to be in good condition, with any defects being described in our description. By using the Web site, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions.wrote the English artist Eric Ravilious (1903–1942) to his former lover Helen Binyon, on 28 October 1938.