GILL, ERIC. Initial Letter H and Venus and Cupid with the Golden Cockerel * Initials H and O with Venus Modestly Holding Spray / Cupid Playing Football with the World. Together, two wood engraved proofs from the Golden Cockerel Press edition of The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (Waltham St. Lawrence, 1929-31). 1929. Initial Letter H was published on page 1, Volume 1 of the Chaucer and subsequently used as plate 25 of The Engravings, 1928-1933. Signed "Eric G" and numbered 7/10. Skelton/Physick P535. H&O with Venus. Illustration published on page 1, Volume 2 and subsequently as plate 31 of The Engravings, 1928-1933. Signed "Eric G" and numbered 3/5. Skelton/Physick 582. Both measure 228x165 mm; 9x6 1/2 inches and are mounted to separate boards but framed together. Ex-collection Tullah Hanley, with her gift inscription on frame backing.
Tullah Hanley was the colorful and eccentric wife of Pennsylvania oil and gas magnate, T. Edward Hanley, who amassed a major collection of important art, rare books, and manuscripts. The two were extremely generous, donating parts of their collection to several institutions which Tullah carried on with great enthusiasm after her husband's death.
