15th Mar, 2019 10:30 GMT/BST

Books, Maps & Ephemera

 
Lot 65
 

65

H.R.A[spinwall] Commonplace book, c.1816-1836. 4to, org. green cloth; 30 MSS leaves, some...

H.R.A[spinwall]
Commonplace book, c.1816-1836. 4to, org. green cloth; 30 MSS leaves, some written on both sides, 13 leaves of illus, two ink drawings, one ink wash, one pencil, nine watercolours signed HRA.
The compiler of this book has been identified as an Aspinwall by the coat-of-arms on the first page - Or, a chevron sable between three griffins' heads erased sable. The shield is set in an architectural frame between two statues in niches, one bearing a book, the other a palette - presumably representing the pictures and poems in the book. it has not been possible to trace the majority of the poems, suggesting these were written either by the author or friends (some are signed AW, THL, E McG and others), although some are more obvious (such as a transcription of Macaulay). The pictures, mostly costume studies, are principally signed HRA (as the initials on the title page) but there is also an ink drawing of an Eta tree from British Guiana (after a sketch by AW) and a pencil drawing of a ship passed at sea (after a sketch by AFWW). The whole records an element of gentle life of the period, with foreign travel, lines 'On Leaving Catlow House', tips on letter writing, and, more poignantly, lines for Mrs JH on the death of a child.

Sold for £350
Estimated at £200 - £300


 

. Binding worn, one leaf loose, some offsetting from pictures, a couple of pages with sections excised, some foxing etc but very good.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Books, Maps & Ephemera, 15th Mar, 2019

Books, Maps & Ephemera

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