A Collection of Miniatures belonging to the Lord Hothfield. Compiled at his Request by Dr. G. C. Williamson

As depicted: number 57 of only 60 published copies of this privately printed catalogue describing a famous collection of miniatures owned by LordHothfield (1844-1926). Lord Hothfield appears to have inscribed this particular copy to "William Dawson” in October 1917 (or 1919?) in now-faded ink to front inside cover. In the preface, George C. Williamson (1858-1942), a leading expert on miniatures, writes that this collection "is composed almost exclusively of miniatures belonging to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and whilst the foremost men of that wonderful period are represented in adequate fashion, one of its charms consists in the presence of equally fine examples by many of the lesser known painters whose works are not so often to be seen." Artists covered in the book include Shelley, Smart, Cosway, and Engleheart. The catalogue provides extensive descriptions for more than 100 miniatures up to page 131, then enumerates miniatures for which the author is unknown through the end. At the end there is a list of the miniatures and their location in display cases, followed by an "Index of Persons Mentioned in the Catalogue." On the first blank leaf at end of book, an unknown hand ( but possibly Lord Hothfield’s own?) has added in manuscript what might be descriptions of four further collection acquisitions by Hothfield made since the book was originally compiled (see image). Format: Small quarto, bound traditionally in cloth-backed light blue boards. Pagination: roughly 182 pages (xii, 159 pages, an expanded inset grouping numbered 159*–162* added mid-press for late acquisitions, and pages 163–178), followed by blank archival leaves and a colophon. Special Features: Includes detailed descriptive entries, display case locations within Lord Hothfield's residence, and a comprehensive index of sitters and artists. Bottom page edges have been issued uncut and subsequently a little roughly separated. Book overall is VG plus condition, all generally as depicted. Cover boards are a little grimy and there are some normal small age related marks throughout but nothing significant. Has clear acetate jacket. This is an very very rare and of its kind a unique book! Please contact seller for any further details etc.