Underhand House: part one 2023
Bound by Christopher Shaw | 4.5 x 4.7 x 1.4 cm (book measurement (conservation)) | RCIN 1171610
Sarah Waters (b. 1966)
Underhand House ; part one / by Sarah Waters 2023
Binding: Christopher Shaw. Photograph: Royal Collection Trust.
Sarah Waters (b. 1966)
Underhand House ; part one / by Sarah Waters 2023
Binding: Christopher Shaw. Photograph: Royal Collection Trust.
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This book is part of the Modern-Day Miniature Library, a contemporary collection of miniature handwritten and hand-bound books which has been assembled to celebrate 100 years since Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House was completed in 1924.
Of the nearly 600 books placed on the shelves of the Dolls' House Library in the 1920s, over 170 are tiny manuscripts handwritten by the most notable authors of the time. Together, these create a time capsule of literary culture.
Echoing the process of a century ago, today's writers were again asked to write by hand in miniature format. Their little pages were bound by leading contemporary designer-binders. After being displayed in an exhibition at Windsor Castle during 2024, the new collection of doll-size books will be kept together in the Royal Library.
Sarah Waters' story, set in a dolls' house, was written specially for the centenary project. The little manuscript has been bound by Christopher Shaw, a Fellow of Designer Bookbinders.Provenance
Book handwritten by Sarah Waters and sent to the Royal Library in July 2023. Binding hand-bound by Christopher Shaw and received by the Royal Library in November 2023. The manuscript and binding were given in celebration of the centenary of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
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Medium and techniques
Bound by Christopher Shaw
Measurements
4.5 x 4.7 x 1.4 cm (book measurement (conservation))
7.4 x 5.3 x 1.0 cm (historic measurement)
Category
Alternative title(s)
Underhand House ; part one / by Sarah Waters.