Description
The illuminated manuscript for The May Queen by Alfred Lord Tennyson, illuminated by David Reid, published circa 1905.
Quarto, [20 leaves]. Cream cloth, title stamped in gilt on the front panel. All edges gilt. Light foxing to the notes which accompany each leaf, manuscript leaves are in fine condition. Note from the illustrator, David Reid, affixed to the rear pastedown to Mr. William Gallow. The multipage handwritten instructions are dated “20.12.05,” and include detailed binding instructions. Reid requests that the “binding to be done by the best binder.” Housed in a custom maroon leatherette chemise, heavily worn along margins, solid hinges.
(Provenance: Christie’s South Kensington, Lot 64, Sold in 2003 / The Ann and Gordon Getty Collection, 2024)
It is believed that this work was never published. There are no other known copies of The May Queen, illuminated by David Reid. A publication from 1912, titled “The May Queen and other poems,” illuminated by Alberto Sangorski, bears a striking resemblance to this work, but there is no documented connection between Reid and Sangorski.
