Fore-Edge Paintings in the Lilly Library

The popularity of fore-edge paintings first arose in the late 18th century, in the shop owned by Edwards of Halifax. Edwards was already known for his exquisite bindings, and when he added a fore-edge painting to an already fine binding, he created the ultimate luxury item that many other artists rushed to emulate. While there is a long history of information being written on the fore-edge of a book, this exhibition focuses on the heyday of the "vanishing" fore-edge painting, disappearing when the book is closed and appearing only when the book is fanned open.