The Tony Arthur Library
Friday, 7 - Wednesday, 26 November 2025

Tony Arthur was an artist, antiquarian, and avid book collector. He studied at Rugby & Oxford, and early experiences of college libraries with their rare volumes and crumbling bindings, left an indelible impression on him. In mid-life, he began collecting private press books, including those by New Zealand presses such as the Wai-te-ata Press and bespoke editions produced by printer Alan Loney. Internationally, he was fond of the Golden Cockerel Press and the exquisite handmade editions of literary works they produced between 1920 and 1961. A calligrapher and collector of vintage typewriters, Tony had a deep interest in ornamentation and typography. He produced woodcuts of his own similar to the fine illustrations and lithographs found in the Cockerel volumes. This founded an appreciation for Eric Gill’s work, frequently featured in their editions. Tony was a skilled bookbinder and repairer who keenly appreciated the craftsmanship of others. With his aim for a comprehensive collection, this set off his acquisitions against his own bibliography, or the Press’s aptly named Cockalorum. Guests to Tony and his wife Kristin’s house were often treated to the moisture-controlled library, where the most favoured volumes were presented for inspection. Rare among collectors of this kind, Tony made a point of reading the books he collected, in their grand decorative editions. His love of print was fed by a love of literature — the beauty of the objects themselves complemented by the beauty of their interiors. This auction contains many of the volumes he treasured. written by Jake Arthur (grandson) Auction also to include a small collection of private entries. Enquiries Anthony Gallagher antiques@dunbarsloane.co.nz Ph: 04 472 1367

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