Eliezer (Lazare) Berson (1882-1954) born in Kupiškis near Kovno. Studied art in St. Petersburg and in Paris. Arrived in London in 1914 where he was involved in art, painting Jewish-folkloristic motifs. Berson also wrote a weekly column for the newspaper "Di Tzayit". In 1916, when a reproductions album of his works was published, he left England and lived in Nice until his death in 1954. (see item no 355 with his drawings, printed in Nice).
The collection [ includes:
1-5. Five original sketches by Berson: • sketch (ink on paper) for an elaborate bowl in honor of the author Israel Zangwill, with a dedication and text. London, 1915. 31X31.5 cm. Tears. • Round sketch (ink on paper), "Shabbath Princess" (Printsesen Shabat) - a woman holding a Menorah on a boat far out at sea, with a sail designed as a Talit. 13.5 cm. • Sketch - "Priestly Benediction" (ink on paper) 11X18 cm. • "For our Jewish Brothers", typographic sketch (ink and pencil on paper) for an inscription on a memorial leaf in honor of Jewish soldiers killed during WW I. 15X15 cm. • Sketch (pencil on paper), Menorah between two "Sphinxes" and a pair of columns. 28X20 cm.
6. Ben-Uri Album, national yidish dekorativer kunst-ferayin Ben-Uri, nokh yidishe motivn fun fargangene tsaytn. Illustration by L. Berson. [London?], 1916. Yiddish.
A portfolio containing a leaf with introductions and six plates with reproductions of works by Berson. In the copy presented, three plates are hand-colored with watercolor (probably by Berson) - fine professional coloring. Portfolio 35.5 cm. Good condition. Minor creases.
7. Test prints and reproductions. 35 leaves with various works by Berson, some from this album. Several leaves appear in several copies.