Selling at Firsts, this book featuring needle-work samplers commemorating Queen Victoria’s first trip to Ireland as monarch was ticketed at £25,000 by Antiquates.
Made in 1846, it included simple directions in needlework and cutting out as well as specimens of work by the pupils of the Model National School. In all, it held 34 samples called for in the book plus an extra 19 leaves with 26 further needlework samples. The first additional specimen is an embroidered satin panel reading The Queen reigns in the Hearts of her People. Aug. 1849.
It was offered for £25,000 by Antiquates and snapped up by a dealer on the opening day of the fair, which ran from May 16-19 at Saatchi Gallery, London.
More than 100 exhibitors stood at the fair including PY Rare Books, Peter Harrington Rare Books, Maggs Bros, Michael Hoppen, Jonkers Rare Books and The Keel Row Bookshop. This year’s theme was ‘the art of the book’, which put the focus on the physical attractions of various volumes, from illuminated manuscripts to elaborate endpapers.
