Magnificent Books, Manuscripts and Drawings from the Collection of Frederick 2nd Lord Hesketh

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Lot 34
  • 34

Brookshaw, George.

Estimate
7,000 - 10,000 GBP
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Description

  • Pomona Britannica, or a collection of the most esteemed fruits at present cultivated in Great Britain. London: Bensley and Son, [1816]-1817
  • paper
2 volumes bound in one, 4to (333 x 260mm.), 60 hand-coloured stipple-engraved plates, contemporary straight-grained red morocco gilt in cathedral style, covers with central gothic rose window motif, surrounded by a wide gilt border in similar style with quarter-rose-window cornerpieces, spine tooled gilt in 5 compartments, gilt edges, plate 29 with a small marginal repair, occasional spotting, mainly affecting text

Provenance

Isabella Macleod, presentation inscription from her sister Lady Ashburton on title-page; Frederick, 2nd Lord Hesketh, bookplate

Literature

An Oak Spring Pomona 40; Dunthorne 51; Nissen BBI 244

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."

Catalogue Note

The quarto edition of Brookshaw's most famous work, in a fine cathedral binding.

Brookshaw (bap. 1751-1823) was by trade a cabinet-maker and it for this that he was chiefly recognised during his life. Details of his early life are obscure but it seems that in the 1790s he was faced with both bankruptcy and separation from his wife. ODNB notes "he failed to gain recognition by Sir Joseph Banks, Sir J.E. Smith, and other luminaries of the recently founded Horticultural Society - perhaps in part because of the mystery surrounding his past, which he undoubtedly suppressed deliberately".