THE LEIPZIG MEDAL WINNER

Smith, Ken (1938–2003) ; Poet

Between The Dancers [Signed Limited Edition] [Six Screenprints] [Artist Edition]

Guildford, England: Circle Press, 1980. Limited First Edition. Hardcover in a Slipcase.

A CIRCLE PRESS ARTIST’S BOOK RECOGNIZED ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE
A distinguished example of late twentieth-century British book art, Between The Dancers combines Ken Smith’s intense, carefully crafted poetry with six original screenprints by John Christie, creating a work where text and image function as equal artistic partners.
+++ Awarded a Bronze Medal at the 1982 International Book Art Exhibition in Leipzig, this edition represents the creative ambition of Circle Press during a period when the artist’s book movement was redefining the relationship between literature, printing, and visual expression.
+++ This copy is number 12 of only 75 bound copies, signed by both poet Ken Smith and artist John Christie.

POETRY AND IMAGE IN DIALOGUE.
Ken Smith was one of the most distinctive voices in post-war British poetry, recognized for his direct language, social awareness, and emotional intensity. In Between The Dancers, his sequence of ten poems explores movement, memory, and human experience through a compressed and powerful poetic style.

John Christie’s screenprints respond visually to Smith’s writing, creating an interaction between abstract image and poetic structure. The result reflects the continuing tradition of the livre d’artiste, where the book itself becomes a collaborative work of art.

THE CIRCLE PRESS TRADITION.
+++ Founded by John Christie, Circle Press became one of the important British workshops of the late twentieth century, producing finely crafted books that brought together poets, artists, designers, and printers.
+++ Printed letterpress in 14-point Optima on heavy Somerset mould-made paper, Between The Dancers demonstrates the press’s commitment to combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic experimentation.
+++ The volume occupies an important place within the development of the modern British artist’s book, bridging fine press traditions with the broader conceptual movement of late twentieth-century book art.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Large quarto. Approximately 33 × 25 cm (13 × 10 inches). Four 8-page sections. Printed letterpress in 14-point Optima on heavy Somerset mould-made paper. Illustrated with six original screenprints by John Christie. Quarter-bound in canvas and green boards. Housed in original black cloth slipcase. Number 12 of 75 bound copies. Signed by Ken Smith and John Christie.

CONDITION: Fine. The book is pristine, exhibiting no flaws or blemishes and retaining original gift-quality presentation. The black cloth slipcase is Near Fine to Fine, structurally sound and vibrant with only minimal shelf handling.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE — THE MODERN ARTIST’S BOOK—A BRITISH BOOK ART ACHIEVEMENT.
 The late twentieth century saw renewed interest in the artist’s book as a medium where poetry, visual art, typography, and craftsmanship could exist together. Circle Press became one of the leading British practitioners of this approach, producing editions that emphasized collaboration and material quality.

The recognition of Between The Dancers at Leipzig confirms its place within the international conversation surrounding contemporary book art during this period.

AN IMPORTANT CIRCLE PRESS TITLE.
Although less frequently encountered than some Circle Press productions, Between The Dancers remains an important example of the press’s collaborative philosophy. Its omission from some retrospective discussions of Circle Press publications makes complete holdings of the press’s output more difficult without this title.

CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS
+++ Award-Winning Artist’s Book — Recognized at the International Book Art Exhibition in Leipzig.
+++ Poetry and Visual Art — Ken Smith’s poems interpreted through John Christie’s original screenprints.
+++ Circle Press Production — A significant example of British late twentieth-century fine press publishing.
+++ Signed Collaborative Edition — Signed by both poet and artist.
+++ Modern Livre d’Artiste — Continues the tradition of the artist’s book as a unified visual and literary work.

SUBJECTS: Ken Smith; John Christie; Circle Press; British Poetry; Artist Books; Screenprints; Fine Press Printing; Book Arts; Somerset Paper; Letterpress Printing; Contemporary Poetry; International Book Art Exhibition, Artist’s Books; Fine Press; British Poetry; Livre d’Artiste; Illustrated Books; Limited Editions; Signed Books.

Item #21644

Price: $625.00