Kelmscott Press: the finest of Arts and Crafts fine presses

Kelmscott Press’s The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer attained £48,000 ($58,311) plus the buyer’s premium in February 2023. Image courtesy of Lyon & Turnbull and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK — In the publishing world, the Kelmscott Press was in operation for a mere blip’s worth of time, only publishing 50-some books between 1891-1898. Yet these elegantly appointed books with lavish pictorial decorations, typefaces and fine bindings have been collectors’ favorites ever since.

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Kelmscott Press Chaucer tops strong lineup at Potter & Potter, Feb. 16

Kelmscott Press 1896 limited edition of ‘The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted,’ estimated at $100,000-$125,000
Kelmscott Press 1896 limited edition of ‘The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted,’ estimated at $100,000-$125,000
Kelmscott Press 1896 limited edition of ‘The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer Now Newly Imprinted,’ estimated at $100,000-$125,000

CHICAGO – Potter & Potter Auctions will hold a Fine Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana Sale, its first in 2023, on Thursday, February 16, starting at 10 am Central time. The 531-lot auction will feature century-spanning works across all categories, as well as signed and presentation editions and maps. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Fine books, manuscripts surpass $1M mark at Potter & Potter

William Morris for Kelmscott Press edition of ‘The Poems of William Shakespeare,’ $16,800
William Morris for Kelmscott Press edition of ‘The Poems of William Shakespeare,’ $16,800
William Morris for Kelmscott Press edition of ‘The Poems of William Shakespeare,’ $16,800

CHICAGO – Potter & Potter Auctions‘ October 20 Fine Books and Manuscripts sale realized nearly $1.1 million. The auction presented once-in-a-lifetime selections, including a fine collection of materials with provenance to the great explorers of the 18th and 19th centuries.

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Kelmscott Press Chaucer an exciting entry to PBA Galleries’ June 2 sale

Kelmscott Press printing of ‘The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer,’ est. $70,000-$100,000
 Kelmscott Press printing of ‘The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer,’ est. $70,000-$100,000

Kelmscott Press printing of ‘The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer,’ est. $70,000-$100,000

BERKELEY, Calif. – PBA Galleries announces an auction of Rare Books & Manuscripts to be held Thursday, June 2. The sale comprises a selection of more than 200 lots of rare and significant books, with manuscript material dating from the 14th through 20th centuries. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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