Lot Essay
This spectacular and imposing bed was supplied to William Amhurst Tyssen-Amherst, first Baron Amherst of Hackney (1885-1909). With his father he took by royal licence in 1852 the name Tyssen-Amherst, and in 1877 subtituted this with Tyssen-Amherst. On his father's death in 1855 he inherited large properties at Didlington Hall, Norfolk, and in Hackney, and in 1856 he married Margaret Mitford, only child of Robert Mitford of Mitford Castle, Northumberland.
His chief interest was collecting books and antiquities, creating a library rich in eclesiastical history and in editions of the Englih Bible. In the 1860's he bought steadily, often under the guidance of Bernard Quaritch. The library was eventually sold in two landmark sales at Sotheby's in 1908 and 1909 after the Baron fell prey to the dishonesty of the solicitor entrusted with the administration of his estate and trust-funds.
Tyssen-Amherst's other antiquities including tapestries, French and English furniture, Limoges enamels and English Majolica were sold at Christie's, 11 December 1908.
His chief interest was collecting books and antiquities, creating a library rich in eclesiastical history and in editions of the Englih Bible. In the 1860's he bought steadily, often under the guidance of Bernard Quaritch. The library was eventually sold in two landmark sales at Sotheby's in 1908 and 1909 after the Baron fell prey to the dishonesty of the solicitor entrusted with the administration of his estate and trust-funds.
Tyssen-Amherst's other antiquities including tapestries, French and English furniture, Limoges enamels and English Majolica were sold at Christie's, 11 December 1908.