MS 685 02 08 05

MS 685 02 08 05

E.G. Craig papers - separately acquired material: Two bound collections of their respective works, exchanged between Siegfried Sassoon and Edward Gordon Craig

File

1945-1954

2 volumes

The first volume – a copy of Common Chords, by Siegfried Sassoon (Stanford Dingley, Mill House Press, 1950, 1st edition), was sent by Sassoon to Craig and is inscribed ‘E.G.C. with admiration for his achievement from S.S.’. It was one of 107 copies printed on hand-made paper, and beneath the limitation statement, Craig has added a handwritten note to say ‘but this copy is unique – E.G.C.’. Craig has also made occasional pencil annotations throughout the text.

It was sent on 18 November 1953, and inserted into the volume is a letter from Sassoon to Craig, praising his work and commenting on the various items Sassoon owned relating to Craig, as well as his admiration for Ellen Terry. Also enclosed in the volume is a second letter dated 15 January 1954, discussing wine and continuing to praise Craig’s work, a photograph of Heytesbury House, a photograph of Sassoon, press cuttings relating to Sassoon, a letter from Virginia Surtees to Edward Gordon Craig regarding Sassoon and a note concerning the sale of the volume.

The second volume was sent by Craig to Sassoon in response and consists of 21 woodcut prints made by Craig for Robinson Crusoe and mounted onto 18th century French paper before being bound. It is inscribed ‘around Robinson – for Siegfried Sassoon from E.G.C. – 1953’ along with an explanation of the contents. The individual prints are signed and dated by Craig.

Enclosed in the volume is a letter from Craig to Sassoon (along with the original envelope) dated 12 November 1953. The letter thanks him for his gift and encloses the volume of woodcuts in return.