Cloth binding for ‘Hood’s Humorous Poems’

Charles Brock (1870-1938); unsigned

1893

Olive cloth, gilt

7¾ x 4¼ inches

A jaunty comedic design by Brock, which matches the humour of his illustrations. The gilt roundel in the centre ground, of a smiling sun, incorporates what could be a jester’s face, complete with medieval headgear. The choice of ivy for a decorative border is an interesting one – is it animated by the sun as humankind are animated by laughter? Ivy usually connotes memory in Victorian iconography, so it is not clear why Brock included it here; perhaps in remembrance of the author’s humour? [Commentary continues below.]

Photograph and text by Simon Cooke

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