Brass printing block from Leighton - Gray's Poems

London: c. 1840s-1880s Brass printing block, likely intended as a spine title, with "Gray's Poems" in center, surrounded by simple ornamentation. Very good, with light rubbing to top and bottom edges. John Leighton (1822-1912) was one of the most prolific designers of the Victorian Era, having worked also as an illustrator and author. Over 400 bookbinding designs have been attributed to him, spanning the years 1845-1902. Many were made for the London bindery J. & J. Leighton, founded by his father and uncle, John and James Leighton, active c. 1830s-1918. Many of his design elements incorporated coats of arms, inspired by his extensive knowledge of heraldry. One of the blocks from this group bears the stamp of T. Staples. Thomas Staples was a block maker and die-sinker who supplied brass and electrotype blocks to English binderies.. Very Good.