15th Jan, 2025 10:00
Country House Sale
168A
After Sir John Tenniel (English, 1820-1914)
adaptation of 'Alice, the King and the Messenger', hand-drawn pen and ink philatelic cover, with Queen Victoria one penny stamp postmarked (18)79, addressed to Master Franois Griffin of Pell Wall, Market Drayton, Salop., 8cm x 10.5cm
Notes: Dalziel Brothers (engravers (printmakers)), Sir John Tenniel, 'Alice, the King and the Messenger', wood-engraving, proof on India paper, illustration to 'Through the Looking-Glass, and what Alice Found there', 1872, Lewis Carroll, V&A South Kensington, accession number E.2847-1901.
Pell Wall Hall was designed by Sir John Soane (Sir John Soane Museum, 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP) and built for wealthy iron merchant Purney Sillitoe. The grounds were landscaped by William Sawrey Gilpin, an artist who turned to garden design. Pell Wall Hall was Soane's last private house commission. The house was passed to Alfred Griffin in 1855 on the death of his great uncle and to Griffin's brother Marten in 1861.
Caroll based the character of Alice in his 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', 1865 and 'Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There', 1971 on Alice Pleasance Liddell (1852-1934). Liddell lived at Christ Church College, University of Oxford, where her father was the Dean and Caroll was a maths tutor. Liddell was gifted the first 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' manuscript.
The mirror that inspired Caroll's sequel is in a Charlton Kings, Cheltenham house.
Sold for £250
Estimated at £300 - £500
After Sir John Tenniel (English, 1820-1914)
adaptation of 'Alice, the King and the Messenger', hand-drawn pen and ink philatelic cover, with Queen Victoria one penny stamp postmarked (18)79, addressed to Master Franois Griffin of Pell Wall, Market Drayton, Salop., 8cm x 10.5cm
Notes: Dalziel Brothers (engravers (printmakers)), Sir John Tenniel, 'Alice, the King and the Messenger', wood-engraving, proof on India paper, illustration to 'Through the Looking-Glass, and what Alice Found there', 1872, Lewis Carroll, V&A South Kensington, accession number E.2847-1901.
Pell Wall Hall was designed by Sir John Soane (Sir John Soane Museum, 13 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3BP) and built for wealthy iron merchant Purney Sillitoe. The grounds were landscaped by William Sawrey Gilpin, an artist who turned to garden design. Pell Wall Hall was Soane's last private house commission. The house was passed to Alfred Griffin in 1855 on the death of his great uncle and to Griffin's brother Marten in 1861.
Caroll based the character of Alice in his 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', 1865 and 'Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There', 1971 on Alice Pleasance Liddell (1852-1934). Liddell lived at Christ Church College, University of Oxford, where her father was the Dean and Caroll was a maths tutor. Liddell was gifted the first 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' manuscript.
The mirror that inspired Caroll's sequel is in a Charlton Kings, Cheltenham house.
With signs of wear consistent with age and use, as expected. Foxing. Please note that there are no contents to the envelope interior. Ink droplets and smudging to the verso. Seal flap has torn from face.
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Auction: Country House Sale, 15th Jan, 2025
Viewing
Monday 13th January 10 am - 5 pm
Tuesday 14th January 10 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 15th January 9 am - 10 am
