Sangorski, Alberto--Bacon, Francis.

4to, (257 x 176mm.), 11 leaves, two additional fly-leaves at the beginning and end, text in black ink in a semi-cursive calligraphic hand, title in blue, the first page within a full ornamental border with miniature below, three further miniatures in the text, several other illuminated initials, some with extensions, the decoration in various shades of blue, green, violet, pink, in stylised floral and foliate designs heightened with gold, modern green morocco richly gilt by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, covers in floral, roseate and foliate all-over design in gilt with central roses heightened in red, upper cover lettered in gilt, spine in six compartments, preserved in full green morocco folding box, spine lettered and decorated in gilt, minute damp-staining to bottom edges of final end-leaf

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Alberto Sangorski 1862 – 1932 

Alberto was the eldest son of six children and was born in Bloomsbury , London.  He showed promise in early life as a painter and also had a leaning towards becoming a Roman Catholic Priest, but circumstances intervened and he eventually became Secretary to a firm of Goldsmiths in the City of London. 

When Francis Sangorski, one of Alberto's younger brothers, set up business as a bookbinder, he was a frequent visitor to the bindery and helped the young firm with their accounts and book-keeping.  Francis and his partner George Sutcliffe had trained at the London County Council School of Arts and Crafts (later known as the Central School and now Central St Martin's) and their workshop was less than a few minutes walk from the college.  Francis returned to college as an evening class student to study writing and illuminating under Edward Johnston.

 In the course of his training, Essay and Poems were written out, forming the forerunners of a long line of illuminated manuscripts, each getting more ambitious as time went on.

About 1905, Alberto was attracted by this work and after receiving a little technical training from his brother upon the cutting of a quill pen and the manipulation of gold leaf, he devoted himself to making writing and illuminating his sole vocation for the rest of his life. He died in 1932.