THE DURBAR

London: Adam & Charles Black, 1903. First Edition, LIMITED ISSUE DELUXE OF 1000 COPIES, SIGNED BY THE ARTIST of this beautiful A & C Black title. This copy WITH AN ORIGINAL WATERCOLOUR PAINTING SIGNED by Mortimer Menpes at the front of the book on a full sheet. With 100 wonderful plates in full colour by Mortimer Menpes with captioned tissue guards. 4to, in publisher's deluxe binding of ivory cloth with elaborate decorations in Delhi style in gilt, red and blue on the upper cover and spine, the decoration featuring golden peacocks and a magnificent flowering tree, also lettered in gilt on both cover and spine, t.e.g. xii, 210 pp. A handsome copy, showing some toning and evidence of age to the white cloth, predominately to the spine panel as is the norm, the text-block and plates beautifully preserved, the original watercolour painting also in excellent condition. FIRST EDITION DELUXE WITH AN ORIGINAL WATERCOLOUR PAINTING ON A FULL SIZE SHEET, OF THIS BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED WORK OF ONE OF THE GREATEST CEREMONIAL PROCEEDINGS FROM THE AGE OF BRITISH IMPERIAL INDIA. The Menpes recorded in words and paintings their experiences from Camp Number One during the Coronation Durbar, held in Delhi to celebrate the accession of Edward VII to the British throne and title of Emperor of India. This ceremony was presided over by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. This was the second of the Delhi Durbars, which were great ceremonial gatherings held as demonstrations of loyalty to the crown. The first was held in 1877 for the proclamation of Queen Victoria as the first Empress of India. The second was far more splendid with increased ceremony and grandeur. The two full weeks of festivities were devised in meticulous detail by Lord Curzon. It was a dazzling display of pomp, power and split-second coordination. Neither its predecessor nor the Durbar held in 1911 could match the pageantry of Lord Curzon’s 1903 festivities.
Mempes' paintings include many portraits, military processionals, shows, events, marches and state functions. While very impressive in artist talent and style, they are also historically important artifacts of one of the grandest moments of the British Empire at its pinnacle.