Unusual Artifacts: The Cover for an Album of Water Colors, 1800-25

Commonplace Book
1800-1825
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Pictured here is the cover of what was known as a “Commonplace Book.”  Such books were albums of watercolors, sketches and prints compiled by various artists.  The works were typically accompanied by handwritten copies of poems, personal remembrances and extracts from letters.

This commonplace book contains works by amateur artists who from the same family including works by Elizabeth, Countess of Sutherland; Lady Gower, Marchioness of Stafford; Countess-Duchess of Sutherland;  and their friend, the amateur artist Henry William Bunbury (1750-1811).

We’re not sure who compiled the album though this handsome cover is signed “M Rutland.”  Furthermore, the back depicts Belvoir Castle, the Leicestershire seat of the Earls of Rutland. But authorship apart, this is a wonderfully random collection of works by amateurs united by ties of family and affection.  The album was assembled between 1800 and 1825.