HUNDREDS of items, collected over 40 years and providing a unique insight into Kendal’s social and political history, are up for auction next month.
They belonged to a local Kendal historian whose interest covered the 1800s to the 1950s.
1818 Auctioneer’s valuer Rob Kerr says the collection will be sold as 10 lots on Tuesday 4 December. Three lots are made up of large folders of printed ephemera with estimates of £250 to £300 on each. Other highlights include a rare, framed map of Kendal by John Todd, circa 1787, which Rob expects to make between £200 and £300.
Rob Kerr said: “There are several hundred items in the collection which is largely made up of political broadsheets, flyers and ephemera, mainly printed in Kendal. There’s also a selection of newspapers reflecting the town’s social history and key events. And there’s a small, but good, selection of local books including an early 19th Century ‘Life of George Romney’, the portrait painter.
“This is an important, single-owner collection in good condition. It’s not often seen on the open market. It really brings to life the town’s history during this period.
“We expect interest from local collectors, social historians, libraries, museums and societies. It has been a privilege to deal with it” added Rob.
The items will be sold as part of 1818 Auctioneers two day sale (Mon 3 and Tues 4 December). People can view the lots at their saleroom, at J36 Rural Auction Centre, on the morning of the sale and on Friday 30 November and Saturday 1 December. Viewing times can be found on 1818 Auctioneers website including an online catalogue and details of how to make or leave a bid.
