Temples of Power : With the Scarce Wrapper

The sole UK printing published by Cygnet Press, UK in 1979. One of 250 copies (this unnumbered), signed by both the author and artist to the limitation page. The BOOK is in near Fine condition. Oblong folio, 30.5 x 44 cm. Original quarter blue cloth over patterned paper covered board, with a repeat pattern of Battersea Power Station in red. Free from inscriptions. 16 colour lithographs by Glynn Boyd Harte, printed at The Curwen Studio on Van Gelder all-rag, mould-made paper. Type set in Monotype Walbaum. The original WRAPPER depicting a panoramic view towards Battersea Power Station is in Very Good++ condition. It is unclear as to whether all copies were issued with a wrapper. The wrapper is lightly chipped and rubbed at the edges with a couple of marks. A few nicks with some small closed tears but generally remains a very good copy. The wrapper is protected in a removable archival cover. John Betjeman writes of Boyd Harte in his foreword, 'electricity has inspired him with its cleanness and invisibility'. Boyd Harte s lithographs of London power stations and former generating, lighting and sub-stations are arresting in their simple, colourful strength. At the time of publication 'Temples of Power' sparked a great interest in power stations amongst historians and is regarded by many to be directly responsible for the re-modelling of Bankside Power Station as Tate Modern. A handsome production and very scarce to find with the very elusive wrapper in collectible condition. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.