The Littlehampton Bequest

London: John Murray, 1973. First edition. Cloth. Fine/Near Fine. 9" by 6". Osbert Lancaster. An uncommon signed, limited edition copy of this fantastic book published to accompany Osbert Lancaster's 1973 National Portrait Gallery spoof exhibition. A limited edition copy, numbered 53 of 75 copies signed by the 'Earl of Littlehampton' and by the artist Osbert Lancaster. With the very scarce printed acetate wrap around which has the Littlehampton crest to the front wrap. Dustwrapper is price-clipped. The 'Earl of Littlehampton' is a fictional parody character created by Lancaster in the 1940's from his original 'Maudie Littlehampton' the Countess of Littlehampton. The National Portrait Gallery exhibition contained 'The Littlehampton Bequest' which contained portraits of Willy Littlehampton's ancestors and offsprings in the style of artists from centuries past. From Holbein to VanDyck and Lely followed by Reynolds, Gainsborough and Hockney.  From the library of Allen and Beryl Freer. The Freers were avid art collectors, and acquired quite the selection over the twentieth century, of works mostly bought from the artists. Allen organised many exhibitions of artists he admired and published several works on art. With an introduction by Roy Strong, the director of this exhibition. A wonderful satirical carcade of English history through the story of this fictional aristocratic family. In the publisher's original quarter cloth binding, with paper covered boards. With original dustwrapper, which is price clipped. With original acetate wrap-around which has a tiny chip to the head of spine. Externally, the volume is excellent with minor shelfwear. Dustwrapper is excellent with just some minor rolling to the head of spine. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are very bright and clean. Fine