'Nelson Centenary' Dinner Invitation, from Thomas J. Barratt, 1905.

Printed invitation, 32 x 25cms, on thick handmade paper, laid into custom-made dark blue morocco portfolio with lacquered mahogany 'doors'; extremities sl. rubbed, a folding flap at the back which acts as a stand has been removed. An attractive and highly unusual item. A 'Nelson Centenary' dinner invitation, housed in a William Makepeace Thackeray-themed folding dark blue morocco and lacquered wood presentation portfolio. The centrepiece of the invitation is a printed black and white drawing, signed 'FD' 1903, depicting eight men in Regency costume, seated round a large dinner table. A remarque in the right margin shows a liveried butler. The wording is printed, 'Mr Thomas J. Barratt will be pleased if [.] will join him at dinner around the Old Mahogany Tree on [.] at 8 o'clock. R.S.V.P. "Bellmoor", Hampstead Heath'. This example has been made out to Edward Praill Esq., for Saturday 21st October, 1905. Either side of the printed invitation, on the inside of two folding flaps, is printed in red and black the eight-verse poem 'The Mahogany Tree' (first published in 1847) by Thackeray. When the flaps are closed, the fronts show two panels of mahogany veneer, and the gilt lettering 'The Mahogany Tree - by William Makepeace Thackeray'. Barratt was evidently a fan of Thackeray's writing, and felt this festive poem complemented his own mahogany dining table at his Hampstead home, Bellmoor, opposite to Hampstead Pond. Thomas J. Barratt, 1841-1914, was chairman of the soap manufacturer A. & F. Pears, and a leading figure behind several of the brand's noted advertising campaigns. He was also a well-regarded chronicler of the history of Hampstead. PLEASE NOTE: For customers within the UK this item is subject to VAT at 20%.…