Detmold, Edward and Maurice. EIGHT PROOF ETCHINGS. Katwyk, Hamstead, 1898. Portfolio, oblong quarto, cloth-backed paper-covered boards, with an etched label, with title sheet and eight mounted original etchings, each signed in pencil (five are signed by both artists, and three by Maurice alone). The etchings all in very good condition; the portfolio with soiling and what appears to be surface insect damage to the front board, and lacking the string ties. Rare. Edward (E. J.) and Maurice Detmold were twins born in 1883. They were tutored by an uncle,and showed early talent as artists. Their works were usually collaborations. In 1896, there was an exhibition of their watercolors, and this portfolio of etchings, which would appear to be their first published work, was issued in 1898. The first children's book they did together "Pictures from Birdland" was published in 1899. Maurice Detmold died in 1908, apparently by suicide; E. J. Detmold went on to become one of the great children's book illustrators of the early 20th Century. There is no indication of the size of the edition, but it is now quite rare, with only one having appeared in auction in over 25 years (Gordon's list one in 1995; ABPC none), and none being offered for sale by print dealers (per Lawrence's). See our website edpollackfinearts for images of the etchings.
