Selling Silks. A merchant's sample book, 1764

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Largely comprises a photographic reproduction of a [French?] silk merchant's sample book with introductory essays. The book was confiscated by Customs & Excise when it arrived illicitly in England in 1764. Then acquired by Worshipful Company of Weavers when made accessible to silk manufacturers for design inspiration. In early 19th century passed into hands of William Beckwith, a silk manufacturer of Spitalfields and Essex, and sometime before 1972 acquired by Warner & Sons Ltd when again used for design inspiration.1972 sold by Warners when acquired by the Victoria & Albert Museum.