Unusual Artifacts: The Sheldon Tapestry Book Cover, 1615

Tapestry Book Cover
Sheldon Tapestry Works, 1615
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Books in general, until recently, were highly-valued objects which were treated with the utmost respect. Most upper class Seventeenth Century households would proudly display and protect their precious books, especially the family Bible. The expensive and intricate bindings of books were often protected with ornate covers made from a variety of materials.

This book cover dates to about 1615 and is constructed of a particularly expensive bit of tapestry. Tapestry, though more costly, would have worn better than the more common embroidery protective covers. The tapestry was professionally made of silk and metal thread and is adorned with biblical scenes.

Made in Warwickshire, England, by the Sheldon Tapestry Works the cover’s front shows a square cartouche depicting “Moses and the Burning Bush,” with the presence of God indicated by the word DEUS which appears in a cloud. A similar cartouche graces the back and shows Jonah emerging from the Whale. A golden star surrounded by a cloud adorns the spine.

Unusual Artifacts: The Sheldon Tapestry Book Cover, 1615

Tapestry Book Cover
Sheldon Tapestry Works, 1615
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Books in general, until recently, were highly-valued objects which were treated with the utmost respect. Most upper class Seventeenth Century households would proudly display and protect their precious books, especially the family Bible. The expensive and intricate bindings of books were often protected with ornate covers made from a variety of materials.

This book cover dates to about 1615 and is constructed of a particularly expensive bit of tapestry. Tapestry, though more costly, would have worn better than the more common embroidery protective covers. The tapestry was professionally made of silk and metal thread and is adorned with biblical scenes.

Made in Warwickshire, England, by the Sheldon Tapestry Works the cover’s front shows a square cartouche depicting “Moses and the Burning Bush,” with the presence of God indicated by the word DEUS which appears in a cloud. A similar cartouche graces the back and shows Jonah emerging from the Whale. A golden star surrounded by a cloud adorns the spine.

Obscure Book of the Day: The Imperishable Glory of Britain’s Royal Heritage

Our next “Obscure Book,” entitled "The Imperishable Glory of Britain's Royal Heritage," was also published by the Pitkin Publishing Company in 1952 in preparation for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and as part of Pitkin’s “Pride of Britain” series. A documentary film was also produced in conjunction with this book. Both chronicle the history of the Royal Family, paying special attention to Elizabeth II’s role in the future of the monarchy.


Some of the more interesting portions of the book recount the histories of important works of art and jewels as well as the Coronation Regalia.  My favorite part is a Christmas message from 1952 wherein the Queen urges the nation to pray for her on the day of her coronation.

Let’s take a look inside…

Obscure Book of the Day: The History and Treasures of Windsor Castle

Today’s book is another little volume from the Pitkin Publishing Company. This one is entitled “The History and Treasures of Windsor Castle” and was written by B.J.W. Hill, MA as part of the Pitkin “Pride of Britain” series. Curiously, no printing date is shown, but I’d guess this came about in 1953 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

The book contains no lengthy history. Instead, it’s mostly several pages of plates—both color and black and white—with brief descriptions of each. It’s a handy guide to Windsor Castle and an interesting look at the fortress as it was at the time of Elizabeth II’s accession.

Take a look…

 

Obscure Book of the Day: The Historic Story of the Coronation Ceremony and Ritual

We begin this new feature with a look at one of many little books that I’ve collected about the history of the British Royal Family. This short volume was printed in 1953 as a guide to the Coronation Ceremony as Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne in the place of her father, King George VI.

Queen Victoria's Coronation is depicted on the back cover.

Since this was meant to guide the public through the coronation, it depicts many images which were meant to explain the significance of the Regalia and the various parts of the ceremony itself. Most of the examples are illustrated with scenes from the coronation of King George VI, and, in part, King George V, though there are sections which use paintings and drawings to show other historic coronations.

A short biography of Queen Elizabeth II describes the monarch and her family and states the intended date of her coronation. Furthermore, brief biographies of each participant in the ceremony explain each individual’s role in the sacred event.

One of the more interesting portions of the book includes extracts from Queen Victoria’s private journal which chronicle her own coronation in 1838. The text is written by Lawrence E. Tanner, The Keeper of Muniments for Westminster Abbey with an introduction by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Alan C. Don. It was printed by Pitkins who uses the inside of the back cover to advertise other books which they feel would make for smashing coronation gifts.

Let’s take a look inside:

An image from the Coronation of King George VI showing the future Queen as a princess.

About to introduce a new Elizabethan Age.

Queen Mary broke tradition by attending the coronation of her son, King George VI.  After the whole abdication kerfuffle with her eldest, The Duke of Windsor, she wanted to make sure that her second son was crowned without a hitch.  However, it was not customary until this point for the Dowager Queen to attend the coronation of her child since she was, in fact, in mourning for her husband--the late Sovereign. 

A view from the clerestory of the Abbey during King George VI's coronation.  Also pictured, the Sovereign's Sceptre with the Cullinan Diamond. 

The Investing of the Royal Robe and Orb with an introduction to the ceremony's officials. 

Object of the Day: A Drawing by Cecil Aldin, 1912

Another page from the illustrated book, Mac, by Cecil Aldin, this drawing shows Aldin’s terrier hero resting after a day of Scottish mischief.

Aldin was celebrated as one of the early Twentieth Century’s foremost artists of sporting themes. His light, loose style perfectly captured the spirit of his subjects. Here, he’s accurately rendered Mac while using few lines and relying on light and shadow to create a fully formed figure.

Having firsthand experience with the vision of a napping Westie, I have to say that this simple drawing is an effortless image of the subject.

Original copies of the book in its entirety can still be found. A recent reprinting of the book also is available—allowing new generations to enjoy Mac’s antics.

Goal for the Day: Arrange your Books

Many of us are unsure how to organize our book collections. You don’t have to follow the Dewey Decimal System unless you’re lending your books out like a library. The real question is how you use your books. If you keep them around for purely decorative purposes, then you might as well arrange them by color and size. I must admit, that the visual aspects of books play a large part in how I arrange them. However, I always try to keep subject matter in mind. Group your books according to subject. That way, if you’re looking for a specific title, you’ll know, in general, where to find it.


Take a few minutes today to have a look at your book collection. If it’s a nonsensical jumble, try to place volumes in an order that you understand. It’ll save you precious minutes when you’re hunting for just the right book.