Item #63450 An original engraved printing plate, used to reproduce the colour design of the Tarot card 'The Universe' that was printed in the First edition of "The Book of Thoth" (1944). Aleister CROWLEY, Frieda Harris - related material.

An original engraved printing plate, used to reproduce the colour design of the Tarot card 'The Universe' that was printed in the First edition of "The Book of Thoth" (1944).

The plate is metal (probably copper?) 3 3/4 x 5 1/2 inches, mounted on a second brass or copper sheet that is about 1/8 of an inch larger on each edge. The engraving gives a reverse (mirror) image of the design of the tarot card 'The Universe.' The printing of the color plates for "The Book of Thoth" was done with the collotype process, which in this instance used four different printers plates or blocks, run through the press with different colored inks to achieve the high quality color reproductions that were required. Some of the plates had portions of the design cut away (so the ink would not adhere) and thus appear in quite high relief, but lacking some detail, others were lightly engraved on the surface, usually quite finely. This particular engraving is not very sharp or detailed, with the central figure visible in outline only. The faces that are in each corner of the card have been deliberately rubbed flat, presumably to stop them picking up ink. This printer's plate is from the collection of Edward Noel Fitzgerald, (1908-1958), also known as Frater Agape, a IX degree member of the O.T.O. He had been a friend and follower of Crowley's, and remained friends with Harris after The Beast's death. The two met via Crowley, and were part of the small circle in Britain in the 1950s who continued to take an interest in his work. Harris supplied FitzGerald with a small collection of material relating to the preparation and exhibition of the Thoth tarot designs, and the publication of "The Book of Thoth." An unusual and attractive souvenir of this landmark publication. It could perhaps be mounted on a box holding tarot cards, a bookend, or simply for display in a frame. Overall VG condition. Item #63450

Sold