Mapping the Market...
10th March 2025
Our recent Books, Maps, Manuscripts & Photography themed auction was a great success here at Lawrences Auctioneers, demonstrating the continued enthusiasm among collectors for rare and historically significant works. With competitive bidding and remarkable final hammer prices, the event showcased the strength of the rare books and historical documents market.
One of the standout lots of the auction was Guillaume Delisle’s Atlas Nouveau Contenant toutes les parties du Monde, an exquisite 18th-century collection of hand-coloured engraved maps. Originally estimated at £6,000, this exceptional piece soared to an impressive final hammer price of £10,980. Featuring 118 double-page hand-coloured maps, including depictions of North America, Canada, and Bermuda, along with intricate city views of New York, Quebec, and Mexico, this atlas remains a prized collector’s item. Despite some wear and light browning, its historical significance and meticulous craftsmanship drove a competitive bidding battle.
Another highlight of the sale was a first edition of Prufrock and Other Observations by T. S. Eliot. Estimated at £4,000, the book surpassed expectations with a final hammer price of £4,520. This rare association copy, inscribed "Fanny Wadsworth, March 1919," holds a special place in literary history. Eliot’s early work remains a cornerstone of modernist poetry, and its provenance, linked to Edward and Fanny Wadsworth, added to its desirability.
These remarkable results reinforce the enduring appeal of rare and historically significant books and manuscripts. Collectors and institutions continue to recognise the cultural and historical value of these works, ensuring a robust market for such treasures. We are already looking forward to our next Books, Maps, Manuscripts & Photography auction this September and will continue to bring exceptional pieces to passionate buyers worldwide.
For more information on upcoming auctions or to consign your own items, please contact our team who will be happy to help.
