THE DECOY DUCK: FROM FOLK ART TO FINE ART. By Bob Ridges.

1988 1st edition. Large 4to (215 x 302mm). Pp191. Colour photographs throughout, bibliography. Blue boards, spine titled in silver-gilt.

" ...Britain's best known professional duck carver and teacher, Bob Ridges, shares his own delight in the subject with enthusiasts and all those interested to know more about decoys. The many fine colour photographs taken by the author show decoys of all types, both classic and modern, from Europe and America. With him, we meet many of the characters of the international decoy world in their own workshops and learn of their methods and techniques. For the would-be collector there is sound advice on how to set about starting a collection, along with ideas on displaying decoys decoratively. For those inspired to carve or paint their own decoy, there is expert guidance, fully illustrated with photographs and drawings, to give an insight into the creative excitement that can be had from this delightful art form". Chapters include:- Origins; Basics; The Ward brothers; The Easton Waterfowl Festival; Chincoteague; Havre de Grace; Delaware River; Louisiana; The broader scene; Collectting; Decoy art; How a decorative decoy is made; ...And painted.