The Littlehampton Bequest (Signed limited edition, 1973)

No 66 of 75 copies, signed by Osbert Lancaster and 'the Earl of Littlehampton'

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First edition, limited to 75 copies (this being number 66) bound in buckram and marble paper. Hardback in dustwrapper, also with acetate wrap with the Littlehampton crest in red. Top edge gilt. 22.5 × 15.5cm, 92pp.

This copy signed to the limitation page by Osbert Lancaster and 'the Earl of Littlehampton'

The Littlehampton Bequest is Osbert Lancaster's witty and satirical work which is both a history of the fictional Littlehampton family, and an exercise in art pastiche. Although fictional, this book is framed as an official catalogue for a collection of family portraits bequeathed to the National Portrait Gallery by the 8th Earl of Littlehampton (in lieu of death duties). The gallery was unable to find the space to hang them so Lancaster was "commissioned" to produce this book. Along the way, Lancaster wittily captures the Littlehamptons as he imagines they would have been painted or drawn by Holbein, Van Dyck, Gainsborough, John Singer Sargent, and David Hockney etc, each portrait accompanied by a biographical sketch.

Condition

This copy is in good sharp condition with a very little edgewear to the wrapper (which has been neatly price-clipped), and with some spotted foxing to the page edges and limitation page. Previous owner's bookplate to half-title. Otherwise, it remains in strong readable condition.

ISBN

0719529328