Spring is certainly in the air with gardens up and down the country starting to come alive with plants emerging after the long winter period, and a late 18th century book on plants has emerged from an old trunk and will going under the Charterhouse hammer in their April auction of books, pictures and sporting items.
“The book is beautifully illustrated with 18 hand coloured large plates. They are so delicately coloured that they appear to be drawn from hand. With modern printing processes, we take colour illustrations for granted, but this volume was probably one of the best coloured books in its day.” Commented Richard Bromell. “The vendor inherited the book a good number of years ago and although she has enjoyed it over the years, it is now time for the book to find a new home.”
The book, which the full title is Icones Pictae Plantarum Rariorum, descriptionibus et observationibus illustratae (or) Coloured Figures of Rare Plants, illustrated with descriptions and illustrations, was originally printed in three parts from 1790-93. It would have been an expensive tome in its day and graced a library in a large country house. Today, it is estimated at £2,000-2,500 despite the binding being in relatively poor condition.
Charterhouse is now accepting further entries for their programme of auctions in April and May including specialist sales of pictures, books, Beswick, Doulton & other ceramics and for their next specialist sale of classic cars and motorbikes in May at The Bristol Classic Car Show over the Bank Holiday weekend. For further information regarding these sales, or to arrange a free home visit, please contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3BS 01935 812277.
Auction info www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk