James Bond First Editions

[jacket artwork illustrations for Casino Royale, Live & Let Die (concept) and Moonraker].

FLEMING, Ian Lancaster (1908-1964), LEWIS, Kenneth (1926-2013).

No place, no date [1953-55; 2003]. [Original James Bond artwork] Three dust-jacket miniature designs executed in watercolour on artist's paper being the front cover artwork of the books published by Jonathan Cape, each SIGNED by the illustrator. Conservation framed with UV plexiglass; in card mount backed with pH neutral corri-cor barrier board, beneath UV acrylic, moulded frame. Each measures 12 x 9cm, total framed dimensions each 37 x 28cm. Fine throughout. Artist Ken Lewis' dust-jacket designs, executed under the direction of the author, as described in full by Gilbert. Ken Lewis worked in the Visual Features dept. of the Sunday Times, of which Ian Fleming was Foreign Manager. Lewis produced and interpreted Fleming's designs for the first three James Bond novels (1953-5). In 2003, Ken Lewis replicated his original art, including his intended blue design for Live and Let Die, in a strictly limited series commissioned by Bond historian James M. Pickard; fewer than ten sets were produced in watercolours, prior to Mr. Lewis retirement from painting. These were offered to colleagues and bibliophiles; the present set is from the collection of Fleming's bibliographer Jon Gilbert. Rare. Item #74587

Price: £4,500.00