I am a recent convert to the delights of the armorial bookplate and have just acquired for my collection the unused Bookplate of the Sixth Duke of Portland 1900 by J A C Harrison*. Harrison was one of the foremost bookplate designers of the turn of the last century. Title of Dukes of Portland now extinct and the line is represented by Tim Bentinck, 12th earl of Portland, who is better known for his long-running role as David Archer in the BBC Radio 4 series The Archers. The principal seat at the time was Welbeck Abbey near Worksop Nottinghamshire. The sixth duke was a celebrated racehorse owner and author of two books of reminiscences.
Arms: Quarterly 1st & 4th Azure, a cross Moline Argent (Bentinck); 2nd & 3rd, Sable, three stags’ heads cabossed Argent, a crescent for difference (Cavendish).
Crests: 1st – Out of a ducal coronet proper, two arms counter-embowed, vested Gules, on the hands gloves Or, each holding an ostrich feather Argent. (Bentinck) 2nd: A snake nowed proper (Cavendish).
Supporters: Two lions double queued the dexter Or, the sinister Sable.
*See note to self added below.
Note to self: It has been pointed out to me by my reader that in the bottom right hand corner are the initials W.P.B. which is presumed to beWilliam Phillips Barrett.
ReplyDelete