Item Details
Cat in the Cuckoo.
Exeter, UK: Sunstone Press, 1987. First Edition. Cased broadsides. A series of 28 separate broadside poems by Ted Hughes, each with an offset printed color illustration of animals by R.J. Lloyd. All 28 broadsides are present and in fine condition. The first publication by the Sunstone Press, founded by Ted Hughes and R. J. Lloyd.
This is likely a unique set. Each broadside was printed in an edition of 200 copies, most/nearly all unnumbered, preceding the book publication under the same title. The full set of broadsides were originally offered in a grey paper portfolio for 450 Pound Sterling OR 20 Pound Sterling for each individual broadside poem. There are very few known complete sets, with OCLC showing a only one set.
This set is the only copy we know of in which each plate is signed (1/200) and with each signed by both Lloyd and Hughs [and it has been stated that Hughes signed only a limited number of the series]. It appears the front of the original portfolio is laid in at a protective ‘front’ sheet. Further, and unseen with other sets, each plate is housed in a separate cut-frame sleeve with a mounted protective tissue guard. The entire set is then housed in a drop spine archival box with an inlayed printed sheet with a unique printing of the portfolio label in tones of green ink (with what appears to be color tests at the lower corner). While the provenance of this set has been lost, its number, treatment, and condition suggests it belonged to either Hughes or Lloyd. [N.B. a set that belonged to Hughes was donated for a charity auction some time ago…and while it suggests this was perhaps Lloyd’s, the origin remains an unknown]. Fine in Near Fine Archival Box. Minor shelf/edge wear to drop spine case, else bright and unmarred. Green cloth archival box, printed handmade paper inlayed into front board; each loose plate in a cut-frame sleeve with mounted tissue guard. 4to. np. Illus. (color plates). Numbered, limited edition...each sheet numbered 1/200. Each sheet signed by Lloyd and Hughes. Item #13235
Price: $12,000.00