- 23
Horticultural Society of London
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Transactions of the Horticultural Society of London. London: W. Bulmer (later W. Nicol), 1820–1818–1822–1824–1826–1830 [1st series, vols. 1–7]; London: W. Nicol for the Society, 1835–1842–1848 [2d series, vols. 1–3]
- paper, ink, leather
7 engraved title-pages, 3 folding letterpress synoptic tables of peaches. Illustration: 174 fine engraved plates, 92 of which are handcolored (10 folding) after William Hooker, Sarah Drake, Augusta Withers, T. A. Knight, George Lindley, James Barnet, Robert Thompson, and others by W. Say, W. Clark, J. Clark, and others, numerous text illustrations, including one handcolored diagram.
Together 10 volumes, 4to (11 x 8 3/8 in.; 278 x 213 mm [ist ser.] & 11 3/4 x 9 1/8 in.; 301 x 232 mm [2nd ser.]). Binding: Near-contemporary tree calf, covers with gilt roll-tool border, spines gilt in five compartments with unidentified family crest and olive morocco labels, marbled endpapers, marbled edges (1st ser.) and nineteenth-century half calf over marbled boards, spines gilt in six compartments, plain endpapers and edges (2nd ser.). Provenance: William Willoughby Cole, 3rd Earl of Enniskillen (armorial bookplate in second series).
A number of plates in first series shaved, first folding plate rather soiled and wrinkled, occasional foxing. Vol. 7 neatly rebacked preserving original spine, joints of vol. 1 cracked, extremities of a few other volumes rubbed.
Together 10 volumes, 4to (11 x 8 3/8 in.; 278 x 213 mm [ist ser.] & 11 3/4 x 9 1/8 in.; 301 x 232 mm [2nd ser.]). Binding: Near-contemporary tree calf, covers with gilt roll-tool border, spines gilt in five compartments with unidentified family crest and olive morocco labels, marbled endpapers, marbled edges (1st ser.) and nineteenth-century half calf over marbled boards, spines gilt in six compartments, plain endpapers and edges (2nd ser.). Provenance: William Willoughby Cole, 3rd Earl of Enniskillen (armorial bookplate in second series).
A number of plates in first series shaved, first folding plate rather soiled and wrinkled, occasional foxing. Vol. 7 neatly rebacked preserving original spine, joints of vol. 1 cracked, extremities of a few other volumes rubbed.
Literature
Blunt, p. 230; Bunyard 436; Dunthorne 142; Great Flower Books, p. 160; Nissen 2387; Pritzel 10860
Condition
A number of plates in first series shaved, first folding plate rather soiled and wrinkled, occasional foxing. Vol. 7 neatly rebacked preserving original spine, joints of vol. 1 cracked, extremities of a few other vols. rubbed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
A complete set of the most important British pomological and botanical journal of its day and a showcase for the talents of some of the greatest botanical artists working in Britain in the first half of the nineteenth century. The illustrations are rendered with fine and brilliant coloring, and the fruit plates, mostly by Hooker, compare with his best work as both artist and engraver. The first series contains valuable contributions on fruits and vegetables, particularly peaches, strawberries, apricots, cherries, and gooseberries.
This is a mixed set, as usual with periodicals; volumes 1 and 2 are third editions, volume 3 is a second edition and the remaining seven volumes are all first editions. William Hooker served as botanical artist to the Horticultural Society (now the Royal Horticultural Society) from 1812 until his retirement in 1820. The Transactions includes a good selection of plates taken from his fruit paintings, which, in the view of Wilfred Blunt, "reveal him as one of the greatest pomological artists of all time."