MRT sponsors Bonhams exhibition, 'Voyages: A Journey in Books'
posted on 5/12/18
Martin Randall Travel is delighted to be sponsoring Bonhams Knightsbridge new exhibition, Voyages: A Journey in Books from Eton College Library (7–18 January 2019).
The exhibition draws on the College library’s collection of manuscripts, printed books and literary archives, as well as the wider College’s collection which documents historical travels. Exhibits include a 15th century Greek manuscript of Homer’s Odyssey that belonged to Amerigo Vespucci’s uncle, and rare books by Daniel Defoe, Johnathon Swift and Captain Cook.
Image: Large Topham.
Bonhams Head of Books and Manuscripts, Matthew Haley, reveals that Voyages “reflects on travel not just as a physical experience but also as an act of the imagination. Classic accounts of Polar Exploration by Ernest Shackleton, for example, sit alongside a proof copy of TS Eliot’s The Journey of the Magi. We are very grateful to Eton College for giving us the opportunity to host this wonderful show and to Martin Randall Travel for all their support in mounting the exhibition.”
Image (L-R): Portrait of Omai (the first Tahitian to travel to England) by expedition artist William Hodges from A voyage towards the South Pole, and around the world by Captain Cook (Eton College Library Ag. 5.06-07). The travelling library of Maurice Baring, Old Etonian and man of letters (Eton College Library Lz 1-Lzz.4).
Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers in fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. In 1440, Eton College was founded by King Henry VI and has remained one of the leading schools in the UK throughout its history. Established soon after, the College Library is a rare book and manuscript library of international importance which houses more than 150,000 items, ranging from the 9th to 21st centuries.
Image (Top): A late-16th century Portolan chart made in Naples by Vincentius Voltius of Dubrovnik (Eton College Library MS 126).
All images reproduced by permission of the Provost and Fellows of Eton College.
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