A scene at an Oxford book auction
This Treasure is paired with: Kenneth Grahame (Acquiring books)
This painting in oil on canvas offers a rare glimpse into the sale-rooms of Oxford in the 18th century. Auctions of books are recorded in the city from 1686, at several locations. While catalogues mention at least two sites for sales in the 18th century, this one has not been identified. Auctions provided an important source for the library’s book acquisitions, as they continue to do today.
This Treasure isn’t currently on display in the Weston Library.