William Giles (British 1872-1939) Color Woodcut "A.M." (Bookplate for Ada M. Shrimpton) 1924. Signed. Excellent condition. 2"h x 3.25"w.

Designed by the artist as a personal bookplate for his wife, the fellow painter Ada Matilda Shrimpton (1858–1925), whose initials are prominently integrated into the design.

Giles was a pioneer of the "Giles Method," a specialized relief-etching technique using multiple zinc plates and watercolors to achieve the translucent, ethereal quality seen here. This specific work serves as a prime example of his technical mastery and was famously published in the inaugural issue of The Original Colour Print Magazine (June 1, 1924) as a model of heraldic bookplate design.

The composition features a serene landscape with a walled city silhouette and a flowing sea, rendered in a delicate palette of pink, gold, and blue. It represents a significant historical link between the British Arts and Crafts movement and the influence of Japanese Ukiyo-e woodcut traditions.

FREE NATIONWIDE SHIPPING

Free Nationwide Shipping within the lower 48 states for all purchases at our Two-Day Auction.


Smaller items are carefully packaged in-house and usually ship via USPS or FedEx Ground. We handle shipping ourselves unless you request otherwise.


Specialty Shipping by AcStickley Trucks

We personally deliver most lamps and larger furniture throughout the U.S. within about 60 days of the auction. Wherever you live in the lower 48 states, our team looks forward to meeting you and delivering items directly to your home.


Delivery Estimates

For estimated delivery times of lamps and larger items, please call us at (510) 647-3621 or email [email protected] before bidding.


International Bidders

We welcome international participation, but require payment via wire transfer.


International Shipping

Please note: we do not provide international shipping. We can assist our international clients in locating the right shipping provider.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Smaller Items:
We box and ship ourselves, to keep shipping costs low. We do not use a packaging service, unless the customer prefers us to use them. We can ship either USPS or Fed Ex Ground.

Larger Items (Furniture):
Larger piece are shipped via Steve Auger Shipping. He travels coast to coast every month delivering antiques and fine furniture blanket wrap coast to coast. Most larger pieces can be hand delivered for $300 almost anywhere in the lower 48 states.

by California Historical Design, Inc
June 27, 2026 11:00 AM PDT
1901 Broadway
Alameda, CA, US 94501

California Historical Design, Inc

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 33% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $299,999 $10,000
$300,000 + $25,000