Some Account of the Hospital and Parish of St. Giles in the Fields, Middlesex Mr. John Parton British History

A desirable large paper association copy of this very scarce survey of St. Giles' Parish, from the library of prominent furniture designer, Ambrose Heal. A large paper copy of the first edition, of which only twelve were printed. From the library of Ambrose Heal, an acquaintance of Francis Campbell Bayard, who carries an association with the author.Illustrated with an engraved title page, two folding engraved plans and nine engraved plates. Collated, complete.Bound in half morocco, with lovely decorative gilt to the spine. To the front endpaper is pencilled "This copy belonged to my father Ambrose Heal".A topographical and historical account of St. Giles' Parish, including its foundations as a leper hospital and details of principal families and associations obtained from hospital records. Written by the late Mr. John Parton.Ambrose Heal (1872-1959) was an English furniture designer and businessman who served as the Chairman of Heal's from 1913 to 1953. Although initially not popular with sales staff, his designs appeared at exhibitions of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, and soon became so successful that prejudices were overcome. Heal was also a member of the Art Workers Guild and gained recognition for simple, well-designed furniture available to a broader middle-class public.Loosely inserted is a handwritten slip addressed to Heal from Francis Campbell Bayard, explaining that the copy of this work held at the British Museum is "evidently identical" to this one. Also loosely inserted is a clipping from The Athenaeum, No. 2852, June 24, 1882, written by Bayard. The article states his association with the author, the granddaughter of Parton being his wife, and goes on to describe differences in the published work and the manuscripts, which he accessed through his father-in-law, the husband of Parton's youngest daughter. Bound in half morocco, with decorative gilt to the spine. Externally, with rubbing to the extremities and cracking to the head and tail of the front joint. Marks to the boards. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright, with scattered spotting concentrated to the front and rear leaves, and to the plates. Very Good