John Gloag — British Furniture Makers

London, William Collins , 1945. First edition. Hardback. A desirable association copy of this history of British furniture, previously owned by Arts and Crafts furniture designer Ambrose Heal and given to him by the author. Author's presentation copy. From the library of Ambrose Heal (1872-1959), an English furniture designer and businessman who served as the chairman of Heal's (then known as Heal & Son) from 1913-1953. His designs appeared at exhibitions of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society for more than thirty years, with his most significant contribution being simpler, well-designed pieces desirable to a broader middle-class public.Inscribed to the front free endpaper by him to state that this copy was given to him by the author. With the original unclipped dust wrapper. Illustrated with eight colour plates and twenty-five illustrations in black-and-white. Collated, complete. An intriguing history of British furniture making, tracing the art back to almost forgotten generations of craftsmen. Covering the rise, decline and revival of design and the impacts of architecture on the field. Written by John Gloag, a specialist on the subject, as well as an author of science and speculative ficiton.  In the original paper covered boards. With the original unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, excellent, with only minor rubbing and bumping to the extremities. Dust wrapper is sunned and slightly worn to the spine. With spots and handling marks to the wrap. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean, with the odd spot. Ambrose Heal's contemporary ink inscription to the front free endpaper. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good Indeed/Very Good.