When is a Beardsley not a Beardsley? Fans of the decadent artist will find little they recognise in this slim pamphlet privately printed in Brighton, almost certainly in 1889. The cover carries the statement ‘Reprinted from the 1888 Xmas Entertainment Programme of the Brighton Grammar School’ and it his first work, produced for a school production of ‘The Pay Of The Pied Piper’. He was just 16. There are 11 sketches in total, and no rude bits at all. Still a desirable book though and I’m taking it to York.
It’s £300.
1889. First edition. Contains just the 11 sketches, no letterpress.
