What are fore-edge paintings? 

Created in the 10th century by monks, fore-edge paintings are rare and found mainly in museums and in private collections. Painting a fore-edge requires patience, a keen eye, a steady hand, as mistakes cannot be corrected; and a willingness to keep alive a forgotten art form, and finally to bring some new life into it for the present day.

For an artist to create a fore-edge painting the pages are fanned.  Then by clamping the fore-edge of a book, a surface is formed exposing the tiny edges of each page.  A miniature watercolor painting is applied to these edges. An edge decoration, such as gold gilt, sometimes marbling, hides the painting. The fore-edge painting is only seen when the book is open and fanned. When closed the painting all but disappears, creating a phantom image.

For those who are interested in learning more about fore-edge paintings I recommend John Mitchell’s A Craftsman’s Guide to Edge Decoration, and Fore-Edge Paintings by Carl J. Weber. Coming soon a new book will be available on fore-edge paintings authored by Jeanne Bennett.

How can I purchase a fore-edge painting?

All of my fore-edge paintings are sold exclusively through Yeoman’s in the Fork, a rare bookstore located in historic Leiper’s Fork. Click here to view the exciting world of fore-edge paintings and how to have one of your own.