THE DURBAR

A remarkable and visually stunning limited edition, signed by Mortimer Menpes, noted for his mastery of watercolor and early color reproduction techniques. This is copy number 171 of only 1000 printed, making it a rare and collectible volume.

Bound in decorative original cloth, this large-format book features 100 exquisite color plates, each protected by tissue guards with the title of each plate printed directly on the guard. The illustrations were engraved and printed at the Menpes Press under the personal supervision of the artist, ensuring the highest fidelity to his original artworks.

The volume provides both a visual and written account of the Delhi Durbar of 1903, the grand imperial assembly held in Delhi, India, to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra as Emperor and Empress of India. Spanning from December 29, 1902, to January 10, 1903, the event was a spectacular convergence of Indian royalty, British dignitaries, military pageantry, and colonial ceremony.

Invited as an official artist, Mortimer Menpes captured the rich color, intricate costumes, and ceremonial grandeur of the Durbar, offering an unparalleled firsthand artistic record of one of the most elaborate events in British colonial history.

A fine and important collector’s item, historically significant and visually captivating.

 EXPORTABLE- No

(Plastic added for protection which is removable)