An Eighth Secret Alphabet

Author: Earnshaw, Tony
Price: £85
Publisher: Hanborough Parrot Press
Edition: First edition
Publication Date: 1988
Format: Original boards
Condition: Near fine

Description:

Published by Hanborough Parrot Press, UK, 1988. 1st edition. Original boards. Size: 16.3cm x 22.8cm. Unpaginated. Number 88/95 copies signed by Tony Earnshaw. Binding bright and clean. Pages and illustrations very clean. A very near fine, tight, bright, clean copy.

The Hanborough Parrot Press: A Brief Overview

The Hanborough Parrot Press (and its associated imprints, most notably the Inky Parrot Press) represents a significant chapter in the late 20th-century British private press movement. Founded and directed by Dennis Hall, the press became a hallmark of high-quality, artist-led book production, distinguished by its playful aesthetic and commitment to the marriage of text and contemporary illustration.

Origins and Philosophy

The press’s history is inextricably linked to the career of Dennis Hall (1930–2011), a lecturer in art and design at Oxford Polytechnic (now Oxford Brookes University). Hall established the Inky Parrot Press in 1980, initially as a vehicle for students and staff to explore the craft of the illustrated book. The name itself was a lighthearted “pun on the poly”—a nod to the institution’s status as a polytechnic.

While many private presses of the era focused strictly on traditional letterpress and wood engravings, Hall adopted a more eclectic and pragmatic approach. He utilised a variety of printing methods, including lithography and digital printing, provided they served the primary goal of the press: giving leading illustrators the freedom to interpret texts without commercial constraints.

Significant Imprints and Evolution

The press operated under several closely related imprints, often reflecting shifting locations or specific thematic focuses:

• Inky Parrot Press: The primary imprint, often associated with the work produced during and after Hall’s tenure at Oxford Polytechnic.
• Hanborough Parrot Press: Established when the operation moved to Church Hanborough, Oxfordshire. This imprint saw a surge in sophisticated, limited-edition works often featuring pochoir (stencil) colouring.
• Previous Parrot Press: A later iteration used for specific projects and reprints, maintaining the whimsical brand identity Hall had cultivated.

Artistic Collaborations

The reputation of the Hanborough Parrot Press was built upon its roster of world-class artists. Hall’s background at the Royal College of Art allowed him to attract some of the most influential figures in 20th-century British art and illustration. Notable contributors included:

• Ronald Searle: The celebrated satirist and creator of St Trinian’s, who collaborated with Hall on several prestigious volumes.
• Rigby Graham: A prolific artist and writer whose sketchbook drawings and topographical works became a staple of the press.
• John Vernon Lord: Who noted that Hall provided him with the rare opportunity to illustrate exactly as he wished, free from the dictates of mainstream publishing.
• Annie Newnham & Sylvia Stokeld: Frequent collaborators whose linocuts and pochoir colouring techniques defined the vibrant, textured look of many Hanborough editions.

Technical Legacy and Style

The “Parrot” books are easily identifiable by their distinctive production values. They often featured:

• Innovative Binding: Frequent use of patterned paper-covered boards, slipcases, and French-folded pages.
• Hand-Finishing: A hallmark of the Hanborough period was the use of pochoir, a manual stencilling technique that allowed for vivid, layered colours that lithography could not replicate.
• Eclectic Subject Matter: The catalogue ranged from satirical alphabets (such as Bertrand Russell’s The Good Citizen’s Alphabet) to classic literature like The Hunting of the Snark, and contemporary poetry.

Impact on the Private Press Movement

By the time of Dennis Hall’s retirement and the eventual winding down of the press, the Parrot imprints had produced hundreds of titles. Their significance lies in their refusal to be “precious” about traditionalism; by embracing modern printing alongside hand-crafted finishes, Hall proved that the private press could remain relevant and visually exciting in the late 20th century. Today, these volumes are highly sought after by collectors for their vibrancy, wit, and high standards of draughtsmanship.

Why buy from us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our book collection is meticulously curated to ensure that each edition is a valuable and authentic piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every book is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.
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