Sangorski, Alberto and Francis--Tennyson, Alfred, Lord

CALLIGRAPHIC AND ILLUMINATED MANUSCRIPT, 8 leaves illustrated by Alberto Sangorski, each mounted on a separate board, BOUND IN FULL GREEN MOROCCO ELABORATELY GILT BY FRANCIS SANGORSKI, each board with an inset panel of maroon morocco with a verse of Tennyson's Idylls lettered in gilt with an ornate initial, within a border composed of morocco onlays set with small turquoise and red jewels and decorated with leaves, butterflies, animals, fruit and birds, along with a crown, a sword, a shield and a chalice composed of coloured morocco onlays within ovals, spine gilt in compartments, all edges gilt, maroon morocco doublures with the initials of Tennyson and Francis and Alberto Sangorski, silk endpapers, collector's dark green morocco backed folding box, some very light spotting

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."

A RARE EXAMPLE OF A COLLABORATION BETWEEN BINDER FRANCIS SANGORSKI AND HIS ELDER BROTHER ALBERTO. 

Alberto Sangorski (1862-1932) was an accomplished calligrapher and illuminator, and here presents selected extracts from Tennyson's poem in imitation of a medieval manuscript, with richly coloured vignettes and several historiated initials. From 1910, he worked for Riviere.

The upper board of this sumptuous binding is lettered in gilt with the opening quatrain of 'Guinevere', whilst the lower board features lines from 'Merlin and Vivien'.