Recently acquired, “Oh, These Vanities” stands as a remarkable suite of Books And Prints, a true testament to fine craftsmanship and artistic vision. This exceptional collection encompasses two text and plate volumes, a portfolio featuring ten original hat paintings, and an utterly unique miniature hat.
Witty in All the Right Places Patterned cotton, satin crown with grosgrain ribbon and painted fabric flower
Walking in Dignity and Grace Painted velvet with applied Swarovski jewels; satin crown and ribbon, painted fabric flowers
The text and plate volumes, each measuring 2 7/8″ x 2 1/4″, are meticulously quarter-bound in maroon leather with printed paper over boards. The 50-page text volume is set in eight-point Monotype Garamont, letterpress printed in three colors throughout, and adorned with seven tipped-in illustrations. Its companion volume of plates features an additional twenty-four tipped-in illustrations and a folded insert. Reflecting a commitment to archival quality, both volumes are crafted from acid-free materials, a standard maintained throughout the entire suite.
The portfolio of original paintings, mirroring the book dimensions at 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″, is also quarter-bound in leather. Inside, ten dry-brush gouache paintings on Arches hot press watercolor paper showcase iconic hat designs from history, expertly rendered by Carmen Voss. Each painting is identified with its style and date on the reverse and personally signed by the artist, adding to the exclusivity of these fine prints.
A highlight of this books and prints suite is the inclusion of a one-of-a-kind, handmade miniature hat, housed in its own charming hat box. These tiny hats, each 2 1/4″ in diameter, are fashioned from an array of luxurious fabrics, feathers, and ribbons. The accompanying hat boxes are finished with ribbon ties and labeled with the hat’s individual title, emphasizing the bespoke nature of each piece.
The complete suite is presented in a custom-designed 3 3/8″ x 3 3/8″ x 4″ drop-front and lid box, secured with ribbon ties. This limited edition of only 15 unique copies was designed, printed, and bound by Wm Erik Voss at the Lyceum Press, ensuring each “Oh, These Vanities” suite is a highly collectible work of art.
Priced at $1500.00, this suite of books and prints offers a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of exquisite artistry and meticulous craftsmanship.
