Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

A Victorian silver gilt memorandum purse by Sampson Mordan, 1885, the front and reverse engraved with scenes of children playing in rustic landscape settings, in the style of Kate Greenaway, the blue taffeta lined interior enclosing concertina action compartments, and fitted with an engine-turned pencil, London hallmark, in original fitted case, interior silk stamped forretailers Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, 112 Regent Street, London, dimensions 10.5 x 7.0cm. £300-£400

Kate Greenaway (or Catherine Greenaway) (1846-1901) was a Victorian children’s book illustrator and writer. Daughter of a successful draftsman and wood engraver, she studied graphic design and art between 1858-69. Her first book “Under the Window” was an instant best seller and bought her immediate fame, and was followed by numerous highly successful publications. At the same time as her writing career, she excelled as a watercolourist, working with illustrators Walter Crane and Randolph Caldecott. Her distinctive old fashioned style depicting children and young ladies dressed in early 19th century costume in quaint settings, a style of grace and charm that transformed the children’s book market, her talent described by Walter Crane as “captivating the public in a remarkable way”.