Some readers of this blog may know that for this past year, I've been chairman of the Wynkyn de Worde Society. Founded in 1957, the society takes it's name from William Caxton's journeyman, Wynkyn de Worde. After Caxton's death, de Worde set up his shop in Fleet Street, which therafter was for centuries perhaps the world's most famous centre of printing and publishing. This was in the 16th century, and the majority of people couldn't read - not just books but even shop signs. Wynkyn de Worde set up his shop under the 'sign of the sun' and it is this mark which the society uses today.
Throughout the year I have arranged a series of speakers, including Naomi Games, Michael Johnson, Jeremy Leslie, Luke Gifford and Stewart Drew. I also arranged a summer visit to Berlin, which was kindly hosted by Erik Spiekerman.
At the November Luncheon, I was presented by the committee and society with a gift, in thanks for being Chairman. It is this wonderful paperweight, hand-cut in slate by the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop.
 |
| Scale - 125mm diameter |
David Kindersley, lettercutter, sculptor and inventor, started his workshop near Cambridge in 1946, having been apprenticed to Eric Gill. He was joined in 1976 by Lida Lopes Cardozo, beginning a partnership which lasted until David’s death in 1995. Today, the workshop is run by Lida, his widow, with her husband Graham Beck, it consists usually of two lettercutters and three apprentices.
This beautiful paperweight was made and cut by Hallam Kindersley, David's son
The circle is a universal symbol representing notions of totality, wholeness, the infinite, eternity and timelessness which perfectly links this wonderful piece to me and the past as David Kindersley was Chairman of the society in 1976, and Lida Cordozo Kindersley was Chairman in 1989. A wonderful gift and a great connection with the past and the heritage of the Society.
Below is an interesting interview with David Kindersley from 1976:
Below is an interesting interview with David Kindersley from 1976:
Posted by Justin Hobson 30.11.2018
Posts
