Highly Elaborate Illuminated Volume  Illuminated Address: A...

Hammer

€12,000

Highly Elaborate Illuminated Volume 

Illuminated Address: Address to The Right Hon.ble The Earl of Howth, 1874, The address is dated 12 Mach 1874 from the tenants of Howth to the Fourth Earl, welcoming him on his succession to the title and estates of his late father, and expressing confidence in his protection from 'those grievances which have in times past and present so sadly disturbed the relation between tenant in this country' and gratitude for his independent role in parliament and support of reform (a Liberal MP, he had previously represented the borough of Galway in Gladstone's reforming government of 1868 - 1874). With the names of 80 tenants. Lg. 4to 12 sheets beautifully 'Illuminated at King's Inns Street Convent Schools, Dublin 1874'. Each decorated in bright colours with flowers etc., and with vignettes of Howth Castle and St. Mary's Abbey.
In a magnificent full leather binding, again profusely decorated in varied colours to an intricate design, overlays etc., and with mother-o-pearl studs, and also with engraved brass plate with arms of the Earl of Howth on front and Earls crown on back, with silk ends, gilt tooled doublures with coloured overlays. The binding stamped 'Bound by Doyle, Thompson & Wall,' contained in its original tooled leather bound box, lined in velvet, titled in gilt 'Address to the Earl of Howth,' and signed by the same binders.
It also contains some associated papers loosely inserted, including drafts of replies from the Earl, also a letter dated 16 Mach 1874 from W. Rickard, Obertown, recounting a dispute between the tenants of Lusk and Rahany over  a meeting to congratulate the new Earl, the latter refusing to co-operate with the former, and casting aspersions on the writer's character. 
A magnificent volume, a manuscript, w.a.f. (2)