# 37024
SIBLEY, Irena (1943-2009)
William the wizard who wasn’t
$7,500.00 AUD
Albert Park, Vic. : Lilly Pilly Books, 1986. ‘The first edition … is limited to six copies only (and two Artist proofs). This edition is hand written on hand made paper and hand bound. The book is illustrated with forty-three original Lino prints, that are hand-coloured by the artist. This book is copy No. 5’. Folio, specially bound by Richard Griffin in black morocco, with inset illustrations to the boards, suede pastedown endpapers, [52] pp of linoleum block-print plates and calligraphic text (calligraphy by Andrew Sibley); all edges uncut in pristine condition, accompanied by additional suite of 15 hand-coloured linocuts from the series, signed and numbered (mostly number 4 of 5) in a separate cloth folder, all housed in a cloth box.
Lithuanian-born Melbourne artist and conservationist Irena Sibley’s superbly illustrated book tells the story of William, the inept Wizard.
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 this rare and beautiful book can be found in the State Library of New South Wales and State Library of Queensland.