ED 347

Reference code

ED 347

Title

Verses, exercises and portraits

Level

Series

Date

18th - 19th century

Extent & medium

45 items, holographs and engravings

Content description

The collection possibly originated with the family of Dr Heath, Head master 1792 - 1802. Original verses and exercises, clearly fair copies. Similar items may be found in Musae Etonenses. Several of the verses or exercises have a near contemporary pencil identification, particularly helpful when boys have changed name on inheriting a title, although there are some where it has not been possible to identify the author with certainty. Included with the collection are engravings of some of the authors in later life and the fact that so many attained rank or eminence may explain why their work was collected in this way. There is one engraving of a non-Etonian, and in the case of the Earls Bathurst it seems more likely that it is the son whose work is preserved although the portrait is of the father.

Provenance

Purchased from Christopher Edwards. The letter from Patrick Strong (/29) shows that in 1979 the collection was in the possession of Mrs Brand, 23 St John's Square, Wakefield.

Arrangement

The dates given are those of the verses rather than of the engravings, which are generally of the authors in adult life. The original portrait is identified. If the engraving is not of the author it is treated separately.