Biography

Stephen Gooden was the leading exponent of the re-introduction of original line engraving to England during the 1920’s, rapidly becoming acknowledged as the most accomplished line engraver of his time. Stephen Gooden produced few independent engravings, the main body of his work being book illustrations for the private presses and privately commissioned bookplates. He illustrated a number of significant books, among them The Nonesuch Press Bible, The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, The Fables of La Jean de la Fontaine, George Moore's The Brook Kerith, and Aesop's Fables. In addition, Stephen Gooden was the foremost engraver of pictorial bookplates in England during his lifetime, producing over forty notable bookplates, including a number for The Royal Family, and was the official designer to the Bank of England.