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Well preserved set of the first edition of a skilfully conceived project to standardise colour definitions so that "there will be but one colour name recognised for each hue in the textile and all colour-using industries as well as by artist's colourmen". A frequently called upon working tool, it is unusual for sets to survive in such excellent state.
The First Volume of 100 plates containing of a Spectrum Range of 64 Full Hues, 26 Lighter Tints and 10 darker Shades of the 64 Full Hues. This volume was published and distributed in December 1938/9.
In the Second Volume there are 100 plates consisting of 34 lighter tints, 28 darker Shades and 38 greyed Hues, and with this issue a more complete colour guide to Horticulture has been compiled. DATE PUBLISHED: 1939/41 EDITION: FIRST.
Originally designed for use in the textile dye industry, the 3-number BCC codes established allowed such subtlety of hue in comparison with earlier standards that they were accepted in a wide range of fields where precise colour matching was important. On the basis of the BCC codes the current system was elaborated primarily for use by horticulturists, but was expected to "have a use and value far outside of its horticultural scope". The only historical precedents for this complex exercise were perhaps the remarkable colour charts created by the great eighteenth-century botanical illustrator Ferdinand Bauer, for use on Sibthorp's expedition to Greece, and Flinders' to Australia (Mulholland, "Painting by Numbers", V & A blog, 22/05/2012).
Fawn folding boxes within like slip-cases each containing 100 cards showing 4 shades and explanatory notes along with 8-page twin-stapled booklets.
Original beige full linen folders in matching original slipcases, both folders with embossed titles. Both are clean from dust. In a Very Good condition considering its age. The edges of the slipcases are a bit rubbed and some of the corners a little nicked. Slipcase for Chart I started to fray on some of the edges, and edge of cloth on one side of spine end started to lift. Slipcase II also started fraying but much less than Vol I. Otherwise both in a Very Good condition. Vol I slipcase has some light stains.
Vol I pages 663 & 763 have both a number written on the page and a nick on the top edge.
Vol II page 63 has two numbers written on it, all pages otherwise intact, clean, clear and bright still. Here and there but very little staining/marking.
Inside 7-page booklet in English.
As well as 100 loose sheets per volume with four colour samples per sheet. The leaves are slightly curled upwards on the upper and lower corners. Good copy, nice and cleanÂ
Published by British Colour Council / The Royal Horticultural Society, 1938/9. First editions.
No Dust Jacket.
Slip Cases Condition: Very Good.
Overall Condition: Very Good to Fine, considering when it was printed, 80 years ago.
Size: Royal Octavo (8vo), 258 X 175 X 39 mm.
A very scarce, highly valuable set for the colour specialist, artist and designer.
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