1903 Delhi Durbar. Illustrated book by Menpes.

Menpes, Mortimer: THE DURBAR. Text by Dorothy Menpes. Adam & Charles Black [London]. 1904 1st edition large paper edition [11 x 8½ ins]

De Luxe, large paper copy, signed by the artist and from a limited edition of 1000 of which this is 871. 100 coloured plates after paintings by Mortimer Menpes – portraits (Lord & Lady Curzon, Lord Kitchener), scenes in Delhi and at the Durbar ceremonies, native retainers, numerous colourful military figures, etc. Original decorative cloth (cream with red and blue decoration and gilt titling), with general light soiling to the light coloured cloth (as seems almost inevitable with this edition), minor wear at head and tail of spine and corners of bevelled boards, paper hinges splitting before the half title but rest of text block holding, otherwise internally generally clean, top edges gilt. A classic pictorial souvenir of the great Delhi Durbar arranged in 1903 by the Viceroy Lord Curzon to celebrate the accession to the throne of Edward VII: the illustrations concentrate on the colourful military and civilian figures attending the celebration. jun29/1