LEONARD BASKIN (1922-2000) & The Gehenna Press

Original Woodblock Letterpress book plate print for

The Charles Fredric Gardstein Memorial Collection - Wesleyan University Library

Widely recognized as a major figure in twentieth-century American art, Leonard Baskin embodied the essence of the Renaissance artist, blending the roles of master craftsman, artisan, and artist.  Baskin’s books and misc. ephemera, printed at this Gehenna Press, represent the apex of contemporary letterpress printmaking.  Baskin's interest in books extended to collecting paper ephemera.  For friends and family, Baskin created charming book stamps and life-event announcements for his community of artist and supporters. The artist was fond of both creating and collecting original printed ephemera in woodcut and wood engraving, as shown here in this item for sale.