2018 - Collection of Little People Common to the Forest Signed by C. van Sandwyk
An enchanting signed First Edition by Charles van Sandwyk, combining marbled-paper craftsmanship, delicate calligraphy, and a remarkable accordion-fold panorama of the whimsical “little people” of the natural forest.
Author: Charles van Sandwyk.
Title: Here Follows A Collection of Little People Common to the Natural Forest (The Enlarged Edition).
Publisher: North Vancouver, B.C., Charles van Sandwyk Fine Arts, 2018.
Edition: First Edition. Signed by Charles van Sandwyk.
Language: English.
Pages: [4] pages, including fold-out and inserted elements.
Size: 8.5 x 6 inches.
Binding: Fine original marbled-paper covers over sturdy brown card, hand-stitched at the spine, with a mounted pictorial title label to the upper cover. Fine and exceptionally well preserved, as shown. Protected in a removable mylar cover.
Content: Fine. Clean, bright, and beautifully preserved throughout. Signed by Charles van Sandwyk on the opening leaf. Includes the integral marbled pocket containing the removable accordion-fold panorama.
Illustrations: Delightfully illustrated throughout in colour and sepia by Charles van Sandwyk, including whimsical woodland figures, calligraphic decoration, and a magnificent six-panel accordion-fold panorama depicting ten vividly coloured fairy-folk characters.
Estimate: USD 350–400.
The book:
This charming production expands upon van Sandwyk’s imagined community of tiny woodland inhabitants, presented as though documenting a forgotten natural history of the fairy realm. The central conceit refers to an “original guide to the little folk found neatly folded beneath a Toadstool forest in 1627,” while the present work is described as the “recent, enlarged edition.” The playful antiquarian fiction is perfectly matched by van Sandwyk’s delicate hand lettering, marbled papers, and richly coloured figures.
Especially appealing is the removable accordion-fold panorama housed in its own marbled pocket, which opens to reveal a procession of eccentric little beings inspired by insects, woodland creatures, mushrooms, and traditional fairy lore. A beautifully conceived example of van Sandwyk’s contemporary fine-press work, combining bookmaking, illustration, humour, and fantasy in a highly collectible format.
The author:
Charles van Sandwyk is a Canadian artist, author, illustrator, and fine-press bookmaker celebrated for his exquisitely detailed depictions of animals, fairies, woodland creatures, and imaginary societies. His work draws upon the traditions of Arthur Rackham, Beatrix Potter, and the Golden Age of illustration while remaining immediately recognizable through his elegant line, calligraphy, gentle humour, and imaginative natural world.
Produced through Charles van Sandwyk Fine Arts in North Vancouver, his books are often issued in small quantities and combine traditional materials and hand-finished details with his distinctive illustrations. His finely crafted publications and original works have developed a devoted international following among collectors of illustrated books, fine press, and contemporary book arts.