Binding for a writing pad or blotter
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1886
This leather binding was made for a writing pad or blotter by T.J. Cobden-Sanderson in England in 1886. Measuring 325 mm in height and 270 mm in width, it is constructed from dark blue-green levant goatskin with gold vein marbled endpapers and incorporates a matching cord laced through the back.
The upper cover features gold-tooled lettering of the name "MARY", set amongst three carnations on gougework stems with tiny leaves. Near the foot of the cover, the year "1886" is lettered in gold tooling. The interior turn-ins are decorated all over using some of the same tools. The item is stored in a protective linen clamshell box featuring an interior lining and a label produced by Bernard Middleton.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The binding was formerly owned by Elizabeth Amber Cobden Boyd (1941–2016), the great-granddaughter of the bookbinder T.J. Cobden-Sanderson. In accordance with her wishes, it was subsequently donated to the National Art Library at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions
- Height: 325 mm; Width: 270 mm
Technical characteristics
- Place recorded
- England
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Binding
- Museum object number
- 38041021008230
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.