Sold for A$10
Photograps and a Bookmark: 1. 12 Real Photographs of Ballina in a souvenir package. 2. Stevengraph silk bookmark: To one I love, if you are in want of a (beau), I now am in want of a (belle) and I am persuaded that we shall get on uncommonly (well) // T. Stevens Coventry. Miscellaneous Photography 1. 12 Real Photographs of Ballina in a souvenir package. 2. Stevengraph silk bookmark. 1. Photographs are 85 x 58 mm 2. 172 mm. 1900s-1940s
1. Very Good. Whilst the packet advertises 12 photographs, there are an extra 5 added with different writing, so not from the same series. Some folds and so forth to the packaging. A little discolouration. A great selection from the Ballina district. 2. Excellent. One tiny hole. A few little stains. Thomas Stevens invented the 'Stevengraph', the pictorial bookmark, and the illuminated ribbon. In January 1862 he patented his invention for 'manufacturing book markers by machinery for weaving ribbons, and . . . producing figures, designs, and mottoes thereon of various descriptions and colours, according to the nature of books for which the markers are intended'. The pictures became very popular and they, as well as the looms on which they were made, were exhibited at the Crystal Palace in 1868, at the London International Exhibition in 1870, at York in 1879, and on the continent and in the United States. From 1862 to 1867 Stevens's catalogues contained from 500 to 900 varieties of bookmarks, pictures, fans, badges, embroidered neckties, and sashes. This particular example comes in three colours and is listed as number 770 by Geoffrey Godden in his work 'Stevengraphs and other Victorian silk pictures' 1971 Barrie & Jenkins. Grade: N/A Estimate: $30 - 40
