DELHI DURBAR 1903. Large paper copy of Mortimer Menpes contemporary book

Menpes, Mortimer: DURBAR. A & C Black [London] 1903,   1st edition quarto [10½ x 8½ ins]

De Luxe, large paper copy, signed by the artist and numbered 871 from a limited edition of 1000. 100 coloured plates after paintings by Mortimer Menpes – portraits (Lord & Lady Curzon, Lord Kitchener), scenes in Delhi and at the Durbar ceremonies, native retainers, numerous colourful military figures, etc. Original decorative cloth (cream with red and blue decoration and gilt titling), spine faded and with a few marks, boards with general light soiling to the light coloured cloth (as seems almost inevitable with this edition), internally generally clean, top edges gilt, a personal inscription dated 1903 to a free blank, a few pages loose. A classic pictorial souvenir of the great Delhi Durbar arranged in 1903 by the Viceroy Lord Curzon to celebrate the accession to the throne of Edward VII: the illustrations concentrate on the colourful military and civilian figures attending the celebration. may23/8