The Story of Peterkin in the Wood

London: [The Stonebridge Press], 1912. First and only edition of this fine press fairy tale by artist Veronica Whall (1887-1970), number 39 of 50 copies. Whall is best remembered for her long career in stained glass, a craft she learned from her father, Christopher Whitworth Whall, the leading stained-glass artist of the British Arts and Crafts movement. The Story of Peterkin in the Wood follows two human children who join the fairy Peterkin for a day of adventures in an enchanted forest: “‘how did we see you before you kissed our eyes?’ ‘I don’t know I’m sure, human beings don’t see us as a rule’ he answered. ‘Mother says there is an exception to every (truncated) rule’ said Robert.” Printed on handmade paper by Veronica Whall’s brother Hew, the book includes four hand-colored illustrations that nod to her stained-glass work in style and composition. OCLC locates holdings at the British Library, University of Liverpool, and V&A. A very good copy of an uncommon Arts and Crafts picture book. Single volume, measuring 9 x 6.5 inches: [8], 1-17, [3]. Original brown cloth spine, brown paper boards with pastedown title label lettered in red. Four hand-colored plates, not included in pagination. Publisher’s printed and hand-numbered limitation statement mounted to lower pastedown. Two penciled ownership signatures (“Phyllis Cruikshank 1917”) to front free endpaper. Light discoloration and rubbing to boards, occasional smudge to text. (Inventory #: 1004083)