When the sun took the colour away. (Richard Griffin’s copy)

Albert Park, Vic. : Lilly Pilly Books, 1987. ‘The first edition … is limited to fifteen numbered copies. The text and illustrations were cut and hand-coloured by Irena Sibley and printed by Benedict Sibley. This book is copy No. fourteen [signed in pen] Irena Sibley, 1987.’ Folio, bound by Richard Griffin in contrasting red and blue embossed morocco, with inset linoleum block print to upper board, morocco endpapers, linocut bookplate by Irena Sibley for Richard Griffin to front pastedown; [52] pp of linoleum block-print plates and calligraphic text (calligraphy by Mary Carson); all edges uncut in pristine condition.

Lithuanian-born Melbourne artist and conservationist Irena Sibley’s superbly illustrated book tells the story of Arthur, a young boy whose paintings inspire the sun to restore light and vibrancy to a grim, colourless world.

Born Irena Justina Pauliukonis, ‘her mother Anele and father Zenonas Pauliukonis fled communist-occupied Lithuania in 1946 when Irena was a baby. The Pauliukonis family immigrated to Australia via refugee camps in Freiburg, Germany, where her brother Vidas was born, and Naples, Italy. The family arrived in Sydney, Australia on 31 December 1949 and settled in Bathurst, before establishing their family home in Cabramatta in Sydney’s western suburbs … Sibley has published over a dozen children’s books, six handmade limited-edition books, and many bookplates for private collectors. Her artwork employs a range of techniques, including hand-coloured linocuts, scratchboard, and, later in her career, acrylic painting. Stylistically, her work can reflect Eastern European printmaking traditions, as well as contemporary representations of Australia’s natural environment.’ (Wikipedia).

Copies of the first edition are held in the National Library of Australia, State Library of New South Wales, State Library of Victoria, and State Library of Queensland.