As a bibliophile, I’m always drawn to one particular room in stately homes: the library. There was no doubt that the Quartermaines would have a superb collection of books, and I’ve been thrilled to discover so many gifted artisans who have made or are making miniature books of such high quality. From the leather-bound books by Ellie de Lacy to incunabula and musical scores by Ken Blythe; colourful children’s books by Patricia Steele; and gorgeous solid books by Mariangela Gagliardi, we have already built up quite a collection – and we have some way to go to fill all those planned shelves in the Hall’s library!
Explore the collection below.
Aldine Edition of Petrarch
Early edition of work by the great Italian poet, copied in miniature by Cose di un altro mondo (2022.231)
The Works of Suetonius
One of the classic works of Roman history, copied in miniature by Cose di un altro mondo (2022.230)
Two Volumes of the Works of Tacitus
Two-volume set of the works of the Roman historian, copied in miniature by Cose di un altro mondo (2022.227.1-2)
Antique Book
Beautiful early leather-bound book, copied in miniature by Cose di un altro mondo (2022.232)
History of the Netherlands
One of the classic works of Roman history, copied in miniature by Cose di un altro mondo (2022.230)
In Praise of Ziralda
A 16th-century celebration of a Paduan dancer, copied in miniature by Cose di un altro mondo (2022.233)
Yesterdays with Authors
A collection of literary memoirs, copied in miniature by Cose di un altro mondo (2022.226)
The Poetical Works of Lord Byron
Selected poems by the bad boy of English literature, copied in miniature by Cose di un altro mondo (2022.228)
Liturgy of Holy Week (Semaine Sainte)
Text of the Catholic liturgy, reproduced in miniature by Cose di un altro Mondo (2022.229)
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Pair of quintessential detective novels, reproduced by Ken Blythe (2022.238.1-2)
London: A Pilgrimage
Pioneering guide to 19th-century London by a leading French artist, reproduced by Ken Blythe (2022.215)
Nine French Books
Set of nine volumes of French literature and history, by Alison Davies (2022.242.1-9)
Book of Hours
Charming psalter full of colourful illustrations, reproduced by Ken Blythe (2022.205)
Artaxerxes: An English Opera
Miniature version of a 1762 opera libretto by Ken Blythe (2022.204)
Naval Flags of All Nations
Reference work listing British and international naval flags, by Ken Blythe
History of English Costume
Lively series of coloured prints showing costume from the middle ages to the Regency, by Ken Blythe
English Shells: Conchology
Richly illustrated scientific text focusing on English shells, by Ken Blythe
2022.195
Portraits of Biblical Figures
A replica of a sumptuous early modern manuscript with portraits of Biblical women, by Ken Blythe (2022.191)
The Armies of Europe
Colourful picture book presenting army uniforms from across the Continent, by Ken Blythe (2022.190)
Album of Broadsides
Scrapbook full of broadsides recounting Victorian murders and ill deeds, reproduced by Ken Blythe
Geographical Fun
Delightfully inventive 1868 atlas with witty maps, reproduced by Ken Blythe (2022.192)
The Triumph of Emperor Maximilian I
Facsimile of a manuscript celebrating the deeds of the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I by Ken Blythe
2022.188
Noble Families of Verona
A collection of coats of arms of noble Italian families by Ken Blythe (2022.152)
The Baby’s Opera
A beautifully illustrated book of nursery rhymes by Patricia Steele (2022.151)
Insecten by Maria Sybilla Merian
A five-volume replica of this pioneering work by Patricia Steele
2022.149.1-5
Rock-A-Bye Baby And Other Rhymes
Beautifully reproduced children’s book by Patricia Steele (2022.147)
Make Believe And Reality
Beautifully reproduced children’s book by Patricia Steele (2022.148)
The Jolly Animal ABC
Beautifully reproduced children’s book by Patricia Steele (2022.146)
Birds: Natural History Series
Beautifully reproduced children’s book by Patricia Steele (2022.142)
Ride A Cock-Horse & Other Rhymes
Beautifully reproduced children’s book by Patricia Steele (2022.145)
Mother Goose Melodies
Beautifully reproduced children’s book by Patricia Steele (2022.144)
Tournament Book
A record of the deeds of knights in an early court tournament, by Ken Blythe (2022.117)
Volume of Georgian Musical Scores
Readable book of Georgian sheet music by Ken Blythe (2022.118)
Set of Eight Victorian Blank Books
A set of openable but blank books for the library shelves, by Landau House
2022.120.1-8
Set of Eight Georgian Blank Books
Eight blank books with Georgian style covers for shelf-filler in the library, by Landau House (2022.119.1-8)
Set of Eight Blank Books
Bound in marbled papers, these blank books by Ellie de Lacy are perfect for filling bookshelves
2022.055.1-8
Indian Dishes for English Tables
A cookbook full of tempting Indian flavours produced in miniature by Cose di un altro mondo (2022.033)
Sarah’s School-Friend
A school story with a lovely cover made by Cose di un altro mondo (2022.034)
The Cloister and the Hearth
A much-loved Victorian classic by Mariangela Gagliardi of Cose di un altro mondo (2022.035)
Antique Ledgers
Three antique ledgers by Lauren Delaney for our butler to keep track of accounts (2022.036.1-3)
The Look About You Nature Book
An introduction to the wonderful world of nature by Lauren Delaney (2022.037)
The Frog Prince
Classic fairy story with an Arts & Crafts cover by Lauren Delaney (2022.039)
Quartermaine Hall 