Golden Cockerel

Exhibit Catalogue
Bruce Peel Special Collections, University of Alberta

Golden Cockerel Press owes much of its success as a private press to the risks it took in its early development. To set itself apart from its competitors and to increase sales, GCP introduced erotic engravings of the highest artistic standard into their books. Their quality designs and craftsmanship assured them of a dedicated collector audience.

The size of this catalogue at 7” x 14” relates directly to the proportions of many GCP publications having a ratio of 1:2. Its dramatic vertical shape beautifully frames the featured images and sets off the single columns of text on clean, off-white backgrounds. Careful attention was given to setting the type in a modern recreation of the Golden Cockerel font and its ornaments and to the inclusion of black and white  engravings in the margins.