GERSTEIN, Alexandra (editor). Beyond Bloomsbury. Designs of the Omega Workshops 1913-1919. London The Courtauld Gallery in Association with Fontanka. 2009

4to.; publisher’s pictorial card covers with integral flaps, white title embossed to spine and upper cover; pp. [v], 6-183, including index; beautifully illustrated largely in full colour; a near fine copy without ownership marks or signs of handling.

First edition, issued to compliment an exhibition held at the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House London between 18th June and 20th September 2009.  A striking exhibition catalogue which devotes attention to textiles, pottery, sculpture, designs for the theatre, etc.

The Omega Workshops collective was founded in 1913 by the art critic and painter Roger Fry, together with members of the Bloomsbury Group including Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant.  Its ambition was to bridge the gap between fine art and functional everyday objects and to provide artists with a sustainable income through applied design. The Omega style is characterised by bold colours, simplified forms and abstract patterns.  All products were anonymously signed with the Greek letter omega.

Included is a series of design drawings by Roger Fry donated by his daughter Pamela Diamond in 1958 and seen here for the first time.