Grahame, Kenneth--Wolfendale, Timothy

8vo, illustrations by Charles van Sandwyk, fine green goatskin with morocco onlays by Timothy Wolfendale with relief scene of Ratty and Mole boating on the upper cover and relief scene of Toad in a sort of a trance on the lower cover, folding box with morocco onlays

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A STUNNING AND INVENTIVE BINDING BY BOOKBINDER AND JEWELLER, TIMOTHY WOLFENDALE.

The scene on the upper cover shows Ratty and Mole seated in a boat carved from oak. The characters’ heads and arms are crafted in sterling silver, in a process known as repousse work. Ratty also holds a sterling silver oar. The characters’ bodies, a far riverbank of trees and a near riverbank of grass are built up from morocco onlays. A willow branch at the head is made in silver and additionally glass enamelled in emerald green. A dragonfly, perched on the grass, is glass enamelled using a kiln to melt and fuse the glass.

The lower cover shows Toad and the departing "magnificent motor-car" with Toad’s head and hands, the car and a spectating rabbit all in sterling silver. One of Toad’s shoes, his body and borders of roadside vegetation are built up from morocco onlays.

The spine is lettered and embellished with morocco onlays.

There are four folding magnetic panels on both the upper and lower endpapers which allow access to the compartments which secure the silverwork with screws. Each decorative piece of silver can be removed for cleaning with a bespoke tool which is stored in a recess within the spine of the box. The box, also bound in leather, is lined with emerald velvet and features a secret compartment that houses a small silver toad which can be added to a lily pad on the front of the box using a hidden magnet.

Timothy Wolfendale has been a bookbinder for over 25 years and works from a small workshop in rural Cambridgeshire. Combining his jewellery making skills and bookbinding experience he is able to create unique pieces. His early work was sold in these rooms, 7/8 June 1990, lots 270 and 271.