 |
QUEEN ELIZABETH I AND SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON,
In this year of England's GOLDEN JUBILEE of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, and next year's Anniversary of Elizabeth's death, Alice Simpson, a New York City Book Artist and Andrew David Russell, Curator of Special Collections at the Victoria & Albert Museum National Art Library in London are working together on a limited edition Artist Book about Queen Elizabeth I (1533~1603) and Sir Christopher Hatton (1540~1591). Simpson creates lively hand made books about contemporary dances, such as Tango, Dirty Dancing, Rumba, and A Midsummer Night Swing! based on the annual dance event on the Plaza at Lincoln Center. These hand painted one-of-a-kind books are exhibited at libraries, galleries and museums. The New York Public Library's Lincoln Center Jerome Robbins Dance Collection, Yale University Rare Book Collection, and collectors of rare books have purchased these unique artist books. In August 2001 The Victoria & Albert Museum National Art Library in London purchased an edition of Ms. Simpson's letterpress Artist Book, TANGO BAR, a celebration of the dance and historical lyrics of tango. After interviewing the artist via e-mail for an article about her work, Curator Andrew Russell and Alice Simpson struck up a daily correspondence, much like 84 Charring Cross Road. In September Simpson wrote to Russell that she had come across the name of Sir Christopher Hatton, The Dancing Chancellor, the finest dancer in all of England, who caught the eye of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I at a masked ball. As Russell enjoys research and was intrigued by the subject they agreed to work together on an artist book about Chris and Lizzie as they now so fondly call them. Christopher Hatton became one of The Queen's Men--even called him her mutton--knighted, titled, and showered splendid gifts upon him. Hatton gave Elizabeth an enduring trust and love, and built a castle for her at Holdenby and waited until his death for her visit. Her Grace, as he affectionately called Elizabeth, never came. Sharing the exploration and research across the Atlantic via the Internet on this unique book has been an adventure for Simpson and Russell. She has created four whimsical illustrations of the royals, and while Russell researched in London, he encouraged Simpson to do the same in New York. She has been delighted to discover: 16th Century Dance Manuals, and Elizabethan dance videorecordings at the new Lincoln Center Library, film at The Museum of Radio and Television, costumes at the F. I. T. Library, portraits at The Watson Library at The Metropolitan Museum, period etiquette and even several loveletters at The New York Public Library. Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Christopher Hatton, The Dancing Chancellor The twelve page edition, signed, numbered, boxed, letterpress printed in a 17th Century font, letterpress printed by the artist. Included will be an introduction by Andrew David Russell, and six illustrations and text by Alice Simpson. To reserve an edition, or for additional information: Alice Simpson |
