Photograph of a Dwiggins marionette: F. Morton Smith
by Dwiggins, W. A
- Used
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
(Hingham, MA), 1930. Dwiggins, W. A.. A black & white photograph of a marionette made by W. A. Dwiggins, measuring 10 by 10 1/2 inches. The marionette is a likeness of F. Morton Smith, a Boston lawyer who was married to Margaret Coatsworth, the sister of the children's book author and illustrator Elizabeth Coatsworth. Both Margaret Coatsworth and F. Morton Smith were friends of Dwiggins and became involved with his theatrical productions: Smith is listed as a puppeteer on the program for Dwiggins's first production, "The Mystery of the Blind Beggarman, or Billy Brown's Bravery," which was performed for two seasons in 1933-1934. In Smith's marionette likeness, Dwiggins perfectly captures his friend's bushy eyebrows and prominent nose, and depicts him wearing a jacket and bow tie and smoking a cigarette. A noted book and type designer, illustrator, calligrapher, and writer in his professional life, Dwiggins began making marionettes as a hobby in 1928 and continued for twelve years. He took on the role of director, carved the figures, and designed the stages, scenery, costumes, and lighting for his productions. Everything was done with the same perfectionism that defined all of his work. Dwiggins made marionettes of himself and several of his friends. Although it does not appear that these marionettes were ever characters in a formal play, photographs taken by friends of Dwiggins show the marionettes interacting onstage. Photograph is mounted on board and protected by a piece of mylar. Indentation and slight staining from a paperclip to left margin, slight bumping to corners, and photograph has a slight warp to edges, else a very nice image of one of Dwiggins's remarkable marionettes. (Abbe, The Dwiggins Marionettes).
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Details
- Bookseller
- Bromer Booksellers (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 24616
- Title
- Photograph of a Dwiggins marionette: F. Morton Smith
- Author
- Dwiggins, W. A
- Illustrator
- Dwiggins, W. A.
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Place of Publication
- (Hingham, MA)
- Date Published
- 1930
- Bookseller catalogs
- Book Arts; Illustrated Books;
Terms of Sale
Bromer Booksellers
All books are guaranteed as described and may be returned, with prior notice, within ten days. All bills are payable within thirty days from the date of the invoice. Shipping and insurance are additional. Overseas shipments will be sent by air mail unless otherwise instructed.
About the Seller
Bromer Booksellers
Biblio member since 2008
Boston, Massachusetts
About Bromer Booksellers
Bromer Booksellers specializes in rare and beautiful books. Owned and operated by Anne Bromer, who has been in the business of fine books for over fifty years, our shop carries a range of important private press books, designer bookbindings, illustrated books, children's books, and miniature books.
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