Fine illuminated manuscript on vellum, in a detailed moulded calfskin binding. 12pp. (6 bifolium vellum sheets, with two calf ties, each page 26cm x 14cm). Bound in fine moulded calfskin in an Arts and Crafts style (28cm x 17cm), the design by Louisa Henman, the execution by May Lanyon. A detailed, pre-Raphaelite scene is produced on the upper panel, in which a gowned woman wearing a crown of flowers presents a crown to a kneeling boy. Surrounded with large, swirling foliage with a very effective pointellé background. Into the lower panel is engraved a number of floral and foliage designs, around a central cipher of Dorinda Neligan's initials, signed "M.L." and "L.H." and dated "1901 A.D.".The manuscript, executed by Margery Candler, comprises a title page in black and red, the illuminated address with decorated initials in gilt, blue, green and red, with marginal decorations to each page.

An accomplished binding, similar in style to those produced at this time by the Guild Of Women Binders, housing a finely decorated manuscript address, and presented to a significant member of the Suffrage Movement.
The binding was executed by May (Mabel) Lanyon (1870-1944), who is listed in the address as being a former pupil at Croydon High School. Despite the skill of the binding, we can trace no other surviving examples by her. Similarly, the illuminator Margery Candler (1881-1939) will have very recently left the school at the time of commission, but no further work by her is traceable.
At this time, Marianne Tidcombe has noted, "the number of women amateur bookbinders was probably at its peak. It seemed that almost every other woman was learning bookbinding, or knew someone who was a bookbinder" (Woman Bookbinders 1880-1920). In spite of their likely amateur status, the quality and skill of both manuscript and binding is very high.
Dorinda Neligan (1833-1914) was the founding headmistress of Croydon High School, serving from 1874 to 1901, when this fine manuscript and binding was produced to present to her on her retirement. A portrait of her by James Jebusa Shannon was also produced for this occasion, and still hangs in the school.
Following her retirement, she played an influential role in the Suffrage Movement, joining among other things the Black Friday protests of 1910. At her funeral, Emmeline Pankhurst sent a wreath with the following inscription, "With love and remembrance for a brave veteran, whose life was spent in noble work for women and for the race."

PROVENANCE: Dorinda Neligan (1833-1914), presented to her in 1901.

Stock ID: 42320