Rigby Graham Monotypes 1994 First Edition Signed Bristow Graham
 
Title & Bibliographic Details
Rigby Graham Monotypes
Roger Bristow.
Uppingham, Rutland: Goldmark, 1994.
ISBN 1 870507 29 0.
Typeset in Helvetica 12/15pt and typeset and printed by Matkins Printers Ltd, Oakham.
First Edition, 1994. The volume does not expressly state "First Edition", but no earlier edition of this Goldmark publication has been identified.
An illustrated exhibition catalogue documenting Rigby Graham's collection of monotypes at Goldmark Gallery, Uppingham.
This copy is particularly desirable, being signed in black ink on the half-title by both the author, Roger Bristow, and the artist, Rigby Graham.
 
The Catalogue & Exhibition
This attractive catalogue records an exhibition of Rigby Graham's monotypes, offering an important glimpse into a particular period of the artist's prolific printmaking career.
Roger Bristow's introductory text discusses Graham's exceptional technical and artistic command of the monotype medium, particularly its textural richness, line quality, tonal depth and spontaneity.
The catalogue contains colour and monochrome reproductions of works from the exhibition, including Dysert Tola (purple ground), Sceilig Michael (oratory) and the full-page reproduction of Earl of Pembroke (gold ground), together with other works represented in the exhibition.
 
Rigby Graham and the Monotype
Rigby Graham (1931–2015) was an exceptionally prolific British painter, printmaker and designer whose work encompassed landscape painting, drawing and numerous graphic media.
He worked extensively with printmaking techniques including woodcut, linocut, lithography, etching and monotype. The monotype, being essentially a unique impression rather than an editioned print, particularly suited Graham's interest in spontaneity, texture and experimentation.
Goldmark has a particularly important connection with Graham. The gallery describes him as the first artist it represented and has continued to exhibit and document his work.
 
About the Author
Roger Bristow is an art writer and biographer whose work has included studies of twentieth-century British artists. His later publications include substantial research into the lives and careers of Robert Colquhoun and Robert MacBryde.
This early catalogue therefore provides an interesting connection to Bristow's later career as a writer on British art.
 
Signed Copy
The half-title is signed in black ink by both Roger Bristow and Rigby Graham.
The dual signatures directly connect the catalogue with both its author and the artist whose exhibition it documents. There are no further ownership inscriptions.
 
Binding & Exterior Condition
Original pictorial paper cover, staple-bound, with colour artwork to the front and rear cover.
The wrappers remain in Very Good condition, with only very light edge wear and minor cosmetic handling marks. The original colour design remains bright and attractive.
 
Interior Condition
The catalogue is complete and collated.
The principal text begins on p. 5, following several unnumbered preliminary leaves. The catalogue sequence concludes on p. 23, followed by an unnumbered full-page colour reproduction of Earl of Pembroke (gold ground), an unnumbered imprint leaf, and the original colour-illustrated rear free endpaper and pastedown.
The pages are bright, clean and predominantly uncreased, with no rips. The catalogue remains tightly bound and secure.
 
Physical Details
Pagination: Main text pp. 5–23, preceded and followed by unnumbered leaves; complete and collated
Format: Illustrated exhibition catalogue
Dimensions: approximately 25.8 × 17.9 × 0.3 cm
Weight: approximately 111 g
Binding: Original pictorial paper wrappers, staple-bound
ISBN: 1 870507 29 0
Illustrations: Colour and monochrome reproductions of Rigby Graham's monotypes
 
Rarity & Collector Notes
Rarity: Scarce, particularly in signed form.
The 1994 Goldmark catalogue is not a major rarity in its ordinary unsigned state, but copies are not frequently encountered. The present example is considerably more desirable because both Roger Bristow and Rigby Graham have signed the half-title.
It is an appealing acquisition for collectors of British twentieth-century art, printmaking, artist exhibition catalogues, Goldmark Gallery publications and Rigby Graham, with the dual signature giving this copy additional association value.
The catalogue also documents Graham's work with the monotype, an important part of his wider printmaking practice.
 
Provenance
Signed by Roger Bristow and Rigby Graham on the half-title.
No further provenance is recorded.