February 22, 2013: Sotheby’s London, on February 28, 2013, will auction an exquisite private collection of Fine Travel and Plate Books comprising some of the most magnificent illustrated travel books, together with watercolours and manuscripts.
Assembled by a private collector, the collection contains a number of works with notable provenances, including 21 lots from the library of Beriah Botfield’s (Longleat) – one of the greatest book collectors of the 19th century – and 49 from the collection of Åžefik Atabey -who formed one of the largest libraries on the Ottoman Empire.
Highlights include works on India, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Egypt. India has been chronicled in Thomas and William Daniell’s Oriental Scenery (1795-1807), which is estimated at 150,000 – 250,000 pounds. This rare, complete copy of the book shows hand-coloured views of India. It was this important publication that was, in large measure, held responsible for the early 19th century fashion for Indian-inspired architecture in England.
Richard Fattorini, Director, Specialist Sotheby’s Department of Books and Manuscripts said, “Not only are there works regarded as the most desirable in their field, by the most historically significant artists and writers, but many are also magnificently bound, in superb condition and in many cases have significant provenances.”
