1dlphcoracl
An Albion in the Antarctic by James Freemantle, St. James Park Press, 2019. 12 3/4 x 9 1/2 inches (32 x 24 cm), 57 pages + colophon page.
Note: The photographs below have been posted with the knowledge and consent (via e-mail) of James Freemantle, St. James Park Press, and no copyright laws have been violated.
This week I have decided to kill two birds with a single stone. I am supplying your weekly allotment of Coronavirus Eye Candy AND I am formally introducing you to James Freemantle and his St. James Park Press. Because of the expressed interest on the LT Fine Press Forum regarding his tentative plans to publish a private press edition of George Orwell's '1984' utilizing an 1869 Albion handpress, this article is timely and appropriate.
Unlike many (most?) printers and private press owners on the current scene, James Freemantle did not begin his professional career as an apprentice or staff member with another private press, although he was in frequent communication with the private press and letterpress community. In particular, he learned much of his craft from Ian Mortimer, one of the venerable deans of fine letterpress printing in Great Britain. In his former life, he was a barrister with a position as a Litigation Partner with a London law firm. However, his passion for typography and fine letterpress printing took precedence over his legal career and he left his law position to devote full time to designing, crafting and printing his own distinctive private press books using an 1869 Albion handpress made by J. and R.M. Wood.
Working with a handpress has never been easy and because of the considerable learning curve, skill level, and labor-intensive work it remains a rarity in the private press world. In the twentieth century, to my knowledge only two major private presses did their work from a handpress - Giovanni (Hans) Mardersteig and the Officina Bodoni and Lewis & Dorothy Allen and the Allen Press (California). In the 21st century, only one book (that I am aware of) aside from the St. James Park Press has been printed on the handpress, an edition of 'A Modest Proposal' by Jonathan Swift from Australian Derek Lamb and his Officina Athelstane (2015). Unfortunately, a second book from Derek Lamb has not been issued to date.
James Freemantle's maiden effort was a marvelous edition of 'The Twelve Labours of Hercules' (2017). It is a small, elegant soft cover book of 28 pages, 8.25 x 6 inches, with Japanese stab-bound binding. Although relatively inconspicuous when measured against larger, hard bound private press books, there were enough subtle touches and design choices to indicate that there would be better things to come. The commissioned wood-engraved frontispiece by Harry Brockway, use of the first English translations of the original Greek texts, marvelous handmade papers for both text pages and binding all combine to result in a wonderful book to hold and read. And the printing? Marvelous, with the clarity and "pop" that the Albion hand press will provide.
Freemantle's first major book, An Albion in the Antarctic, started with a splendid idea, researching and telling the remarkable story of 'Aurora Australis' the first book written, printed, illustrated and bound in Antarctica during Sir Ernest Shacketon's Nimrod Expedition, 1907-09. Work on this edition began on July 9, 2018 with an intended publishing date of summer 2019. However, there is a steep learning curve associated with owning and running your own private press as a sole proprietor and this project proceeded by fits and starts, with many important design modifications occurring on the fly, as they occurred to James in the course of the printing. A major road block was encountered in March 2019 when Freemantle decided he was not entirely pleased with his selection of handmade paper for the text pages. In an Instagram post dated March 21, 2019, he notes:
"So the decision was taken most recently to scrap everything printed and reprint & finish the edition on an entirely different paper stock! Whilst this puts a delay on timing for subscribers - which is the greatest concern in doing this - the bug bear that kept niggling away at me whilst printing was sufficient to make me feel I would regret my choice when the edition was finally published. Whilst the paper had many attributes that I particularly liked for the edition, it just didn't have the same impact that my current choice does. Let's just hope I don't get the same jitters towards the end of this print run. The greatest regret in printing any book is to have a regret.....and I feel like I have removed the only foreseeable one."
This, of course, is unprecedented but it is an occupational hazard of being a perfectionist. Scrapping nearly one year's work on the Albion handpress because of lingering concerns about selecting the wrong handmade paper is unheard of but it is illustrative of what sets the St. James Park Press books apart. James Freemantle approaches each edition as a dedicated collector rather than a businessman. He owns a world-class collection of modern private press books, including what is probably the most complete collection of Golden Cockerel Press editions (both standards and special editions) and GCP ephemera in the world, as well as numerous editions of vellum printings from the likes of the Eragny Press, Essex House Press, Ashendene Press, etc. I suspect his publications are made by answering the question: "What do I want and expect from this book that will meet and satisfy my requirements as a world-class book collector?"
It is beyond the scope of this article to describe all of the research and design & production details that went into this book but they can be fully appreciated by visiting the St. James Park Press Instagram website (see link below) and reading the Instagram photographs and posts made from July 8, 2018 to March 8, 2020. Of particular note, however, is the care taken in printing the historical photographs. Working with Alex Schneideman (husband of Sophie Schneideman, owner of the Sophie Schneideman Rare Books and Prints gallery in London), they utilized an exclusive method of printing photographs developed by Alex Schneideman called carbon archival printing. This allowed the photographs taken in the Antarctic during the expedition of 1907-1909 to be printed on the same paper used for the letterpress text, with the text printed directly below the photographs.
As subscribers, we were slightly crazed from the anticipation of when this book would finally see light of day. Its release was delayed by about nine months from planned date but the subscribers were confident it would be well worth the wait, and it was. 'An Albion in the Antarctic' is filled with tipped-in items, elaborate schematics, historical photographs, a beautiful frontispiece and, oh yes, flawless letterpress printing from the Albion handpress.
https://www.instagram.com/st_james_park_press/?hl=en
Clamshell box (note: white "spots" are camera artifact)
Clamshell box spine with label
Clamshell box - opening edge with marine blue cloth
Book front cover with penguin-patterned paper over boards
Book spine with letterpress label
Front pastedown and end paper
Frontispiece
Title page
Sample text page with subtle background map in marine blue
Sample photograph #1
Sample photograph #2
Note: The photographs below have been posted with the knowledge and consent (via e-mail) of James Freemantle, St. James Park Press, and no copyright laws have been violated.
This week I have decided to kill two birds with a single stone. I am supplying your weekly allotment of Coronavirus Eye Candy AND I am formally introducing you to James Freemantle and his St. James Park Press. Because of the expressed interest on the LT Fine Press Forum regarding his tentative plans to publish a private press edition of George Orwell's '1984' utilizing an 1869 Albion handpress, this article is timely and appropriate.
Unlike many (most?) printers and private press owners on the current scene, James Freemantle did not begin his professional career as an apprentice or staff member with another private press, although he was in frequent communication with the private press and letterpress community. In particular, he learned much of his craft from Ian Mortimer, one of the venerable deans of fine letterpress printing in Great Britain. In his former life, he was a barrister with a position as a Litigation Partner with a London law firm. However, his passion for typography and fine letterpress printing took precedence over his legal career and he left his law position to devote full time to designing, crafting and printing his own distinctive private press books using an 1869 Albion handpress made by J. and R.M. Wood.
Working with a handpress has never been easy and because of the considerable learning curve, skill level, and labor-intensive work it remains a rarity in the private press world. In the twentieth century, to my knowledge only two major private presses did their work from a handpress - Giovanni (Hans) Mardersteig and the Officina Bodoni and Lewis & Dorothy Allen and the Allen Press (California). In the 21st century, only one book (that I am aware of) aside from the St. James Park Press has been printed on the handpress, an edition of 'A Modest Proposal' by Jonathan Swift from Australian Derek Lamb and his Officina Athelstane (2015). Unfortunately, a second book from Derek Lamb has not been issued to date.
James Freemantle's maiden effort was a marvelous edition of 'The Twelve Labours of Hercules' (2017). It is a small, elegant soft cover book of 28 pages, 8.25 x 6 inches, with Japanese stab-bound binding. Although relatively inconspicuous when measured against larger, hard bound private press books, there were enough subtle touches and design choices to indicate that there would be better things to come. The commissioned wood-engraved frontispiece by Harry Brockway, use of the first English translations of the original Greek texts, marvelous handmade papers for both text pages and binding all combine to result in a wonderful book to hold and read. And the printing? Marvelous, with the clarity and "pop" that the Albion hand press will provide.
Freemantle's first major book, An Albion in the Antarctic, started with a splendid idea, researching and telling the remarkable story of 'Aurora Australis' the first book written, printed, illustrated and bound in Antarctica during Sir Ernest Shacketon's Nimrod Expedition, 1907-09. Work on this edition began on July 9, 2018 with an intended publishing date of summer 2019. However, there is a steep learning curve associated with owning and running your own private press as a sole proprietor and this project proceeded by fits and starts, with many important design modifications occurring on the fly, as they occurred to James in the course of the printing. A major road block was encountered in March 2019 when Freemantle decided he was not entirely pleased with his selection of handmade paper for the text pages. In an Instagram post dated March 21, 2019, he notes:
"So the decision was taken most recently to scrap everything printed and reprint & finish the edition on an entirely different paper stock! Whilst this puts a delay on timing for subscribers - which is the greatest concern in doing this - the bug bear that kept niggling away at me whilst printing was sufficient to make me feel I would regret my choice when the edition was finally published. Whilst the paper had many attributes that I particularly liked for the edition, it just didn't have the same impact that my current choice does. Let's just hope I don't get the same jitters towards the end of this print run. The greatest regret in printing any book is to have a regret.....and I feel like I have removed the only foreseeable one."
This, of course, is unprecedented but it is an occupational hazard of being a perfectionist. Scrapping nearly one year's work on the Albion handpress because of lingering concerns about selecting the wrong handmade paper is unheard of but it is illustrative of what sets the St. James Park Press books apart. James Freemantle approaches each edition as a dedicated collector rather than a businessman. He owns a world-class collection of modern private press books, including what is probably the most complete collection of Golden Cockerel Press editions (both standards and special editions) and GCP ephemera in the world, as well as numerous editions of vellum printings from the likes of the Eragny Press, Essex House Press, Ashendene Press, etc. I suspect his publications are made by answering the question: "What do I want and expect from this book that will meet and satisfy my requirements as a world-class book collector?"
It is beyond the scope of this article to describe all of the research and design & production details that went into this book but they can be fully appreciated by visiting the St. James Park Press Instagram website (see link below) and reading the Instagram photographs and posts made from July 8, 2018 to March 8, 2020. Of particular note, however, is the care taken in printing the historical photographs. Working with Alex Schneideman (husband of Sophie Schneideman, owner of the Sophie Schneideman Rare Books and Prints gallery in London), they utilized an exclusive method of printing photographs developed by Alex Schneideman called carbon archival printing. This allowed the photographs taken in the Antarctic during the expedition of 1907-1909 to be printed on the same paper used for the letterpress text, with the text printed directly below the photographs.
As subscribers, we were slightly crazed from the anticipation of when this book would finally see light of day. Its release was delayed by about nine months from planned date but the subscribers were confident it would be well worth the wait, and it was. 'An Albion in the Antarctic' is filled with tipped-in items, elaborate schematics, historical photographs, a beautiful frontispiece and, oh yes, flawless letterpress printing from the Albion handpress.
https://www.instagram.com/st_james_park_press/?hl=en
Clamshell box (note: white "spots" are camera artifact)
Clamshell box spine with label
Clamshell box - opening edge with marine blue cloth
Book front cover with penguin-patterned paper over boards
Book spine with letterpress label
Front pastedown and end paper
Frontispiece
Title page
Sample text page with subtle background map in marine blue
Sample photograph #1
Sample photograph #2
2ultrarightist
What an introduction and paean to the St. James Park Press! High praise indeed, from the Oracle of fine press. You have enabled me.
Regarding printing from the hand press, there is one other press that continues to print on the hand press, and that is the Petrarch Press, which also prints on an Albion. Like the Allen Press, the Petrarch Press prints on dampened handmade paper, in addition to mould-made paper and a small set of each edition printed on genuine sheepskin parchment. I have their Thoughts from the Letters of Petrarch, and it is exquisite.
Regarding printing from the hand press, there is one other press that continues to print on the hand press, and that is the Petrarch Press, which also prints on an Albion. Like the Allen Press, the Petrarch Press prints on dampened handmade paper, in addition to mould-made paper and a small set of each edition printed on genuine sheepskin parchment. I have their Thoughts from the Letters of Petrarch, and it is exquisite.
3dlphcoracl
>2 ultrarightist:
My bad! You are correct and I had completely forgotten about them, especially embarrassing because I own several of their books, including ‘Petrarch’.
My bad! You are correct and I had completely forgotten about them, especially embarrassing because I own several of their books, including ‘Petrarch’.
4ultrarightist
>3 dlphcoracl: Which state of the Petrarch edition do you own? I have the handmade paper state, bound in half-leather with printed paper sides.
5grifgon
>3 dlphcoracl: >4 ultrarightist: I am so glad this came up. I have been perseverating over getting a copy of Petrarch from the Petrarch Press for over a year. I'd go for the handmade paper state. Would you recommend it highly? Would I be better off getting it, or two pristine Allen press editions?
6ultrarightist
>5 grifgon: I do recommend it very highly. The quality is truly outstanding. The mould-made paper state with is sold out, so you have to choose between the handmade paper state and the ultra-expensive parchment state. I held the latter at Codex several years ago, but could not afford it, so I opted for the handmade paper state. as for Petrarch vs. two pristine Allen Press editions, that is a tough choice, and really boils down to preference with regard to the titles (i.e. the content).
7grifgon
>6 ultrarightist: Title-wise for me Allen has the edge, but I also like to err on the side of supporting active presses. The Allens certainly won't be producing any more books, no matter how many of their books are bought and sold. Petrarch on the other hand.........
These decisions are maddening! If anybody knows anybody with a zillion dollars to give to a book collector in need, let me know.
These decisions are maddening! If anybody knows anybody with a zillion dollars to give to a book collector in need, let me know.
8grifgon
>6 ultrarightist: Thanks also for the recommendation – I greatly appreciate it. Definitely put a weight on the scales.
9kermaier
>3 dlphcoracl:
I’m sure there are other recent examples of serious hand-press printing.
For instance, Taller-Martin Pescador (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, 2013) uses a Vandercook hand press, I believe.
Perhaps, as well, Scott Vile at the Ascensius Press — I don’t know, but it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that he prints with the hand press as well.
I’m sure there are other recent examples of serious hand-press printing.
For instance, Taller-Martin Pescador (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, 2013) uses a Vandercook hand press, I believe.
Perhaps, as well, Scott Vile at the Ascensius Press — I don’t know, but it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that he prints with the hand press as well.
10dlphcoracl
>4 ultrarightist:
I own a unique copy of 'Thoughts of Petrarch'. It is one of the thirty copies on handmade Ruscombe Mill cotton and linen handmade paper but it has the full navy blue morocco leather binding with elaborate gilt border design, with gilt and red morocco onlay in the center of the front cover, and full morocco-covered leather slipcase with curved front lips. This is the binding and slipcase that were given to the twenty copies printed on vellum parchment. I have no idea how this happened but it is exquisite.
I own a unique copy of 'Thoughts of Petrarch'. It is one of the thirty copies on handmade Ruscombe Mill cotton and linen handmade paper but it has the full navy blue morocco leather binding with elaborate gilt border design, with gilt and red morocco onlay in the center of the front cover, and full morocco-covered leather slipcase with curved front lips. This is the binding and slipcase that were given to the twenty copies printed on vellum parchment. I have no idea how this happened but it is exquisite.
11gmacaree
If you're interested in the Petrarch Press, as you ought to be, I recommend chasing down their copy of Rilke's Duino Elegies, an elegant copy of a poetry collection underrepresented in fine press.
13dlphcoracl
>11 gmacaree:
Hello Graham:
A bit more COVID-19 Coronavirus Eye Candy to help you get through another pandemic week. Below are photos from the ultimate edition of Rainer Maria Rilke's 'Duino Elegies'. This was the first English language edition of Rilke's 'Duino' and it was printed bilingual with English language on the verso page and German language on the opposite recto page.
Duineser Elegien: Elegies from the Castle of Duino by Rainer Maria Rilke, printed by the Cranach Presse for the Hogarth Press of Vita & Edward Sackville-West, 1931.
Hello Graham:
A bit more COVID-19 Coronavirus Eye Candy to help you get through another pandemic week. Below are photos from the ultimate edition of Rainer Maria Rilke's 'Duino Elegies'. This was the first English language edition of Rilke's 'Duino' and it was printed bilingual with English language on the verso page and German language on the opposite recto page.
Duineser Elegien: Elegies from the Castle of Duino by Rainer Maria Rilke, printed by the Cranach Presse for the Hogarth Press of Vita & Edward Sackville-West, 1931.
14MobyRichard
>2 ultrarightist:
Looking at their prices (Petrarch Press), I can see why people generally don't use a handpress...There can't be much of a market for small duodecimo volumes at $$$ or $$$$ a pop.
Looking at their prices (Petrarch Press), I can see why people generally don't use a handpress...There can't be much of a market for small duodecimo volumes at $$$ or $$$$ a pop.
15dlphcoracl
>14 MobyRichard:
Re: Use and cost of printing with the handpress............
"Lord, ya know it ain't easy."
Re: Use and cost of printing with the handpress............
"Lord, ya know it ain't easy."
16gmacaree
>13 dlphcoracl: Beautiful. I should have known you'd have one of those.
17ultrarightist
>14 MobyRichard: Perhaps, but the quality of their Petrarch book is truly second-to-none. An entirely handmade gem. You can just feel the quality when you hold it in your hand.
18booksforreading
>1 dlphcoracl:
Excellent informative article (thank you very much!) and beautiful photos of gorgeous book!
I am glad that I am not interested in the subject matter of the book, and because of that I am not even remotely tempted to purchase it; otherwise, I would have had to re-think my entire budget.
Excellent informative article (thank you very much!) and beautiful photos of gorgeous book!
I am glad that I am not interested in the subject matter of the book, and because of that I am not even remotely tempted to purchase it; otherwise, I would have had to re-think my entire budget.
19dlphcoracl
>18 booksforreading:
Thank you for the kind comments!
More important than the appeal of this specific book, the article and photos serve a larger purpose of introducing you to James Freemantle and his St. James Park Press. The quality of his work is apparent, both in book design and execution so that when he does publish something of interest to you, you will have greater confidence in considering a purchase.
Thank you for the kind comments!
More important than the appeal of this specific book, the article and photos serve a larger purpose of introducing you to James Freemantle and his St. James Park Press. The quality of his work is apparent, both in book design and execution so that when he does publish something of interest to you, you will have greater confidence in considering a purchase.
20booksforreading
>19 dlphcoracl:
Absolutely! And you article has really served its purpose in this regard!
Absolutely! And you article has really served its purpose in this regard!
21kermaier
>12 dlphcoracl:
Speaking of Juan Pascoe’s “Sir Gawain”, I just acquired a slightly “experienced” copy of the Standard edition. (It is altogether wonderful, of course.) I was surprised to find that, beneath the stiff green paper wraps, there seem to be boards, to which the end papers are glued. Is your copy bound that way, as well?
Speaking of Juan Pascoe’s “Sir Gawain”, I just acquired a slightly “experienced” copy of the Standard edition. (It is altogether wonderful, of course.) I was surprised to find that, beneath the stiff green paper wraps, there seem to be boards, to which the end papers are glued. Is your copy bound that way, as well?
