Write of Fancy: The Golden Cockerel Press

Exhibition: Leigh Scott Gallery, Baillieu Library, 8 August to 16 October 2011

As part of the Month of Print, Write of Fancy: The Golden Cockerel Press showcases the Library’s exceptional collection of Golden Cockerel books from the English fine press. The Golden Cockerel Press, which operated between 1920 and 1960, was one of the longest running private presses, surviving major historical events such as the Depression and World War 2. One of the reasons for its longevity was the vision of its three owners, each of whom had a distinctive influence, which can been seen in the eclectic range, comprising of 211 books. With an example of at least one binding of all of the books produced by the Press, the collection of Golden Cockerel Press books at the Baillieu Library, University of Melbourne is probably the only complete set in Australia.

Eric Gill, Venus and Cupid with the Golden Cockerel, 1928, Frontispiece from volume 1 of Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales, London: Golden Cockerel Press, 1929 Special Collections, Baillieu Library

John Buckland Wright, Tailpiece for John Keats, Endymion: A poetic romance, London: Golden Cockerel Press, 1947, Special Collections, Baillieu Library