Victorian Novelty Silver Crescent Moon Bookmark 'Goodwood'

A fine and unusual Victorian novelty silver Bookmark made in the form of a Crescent Moon engraved with a human face. The reverse with an inscription for 'Goodwood 1886'.

By Alfred Fuller, London, 1886.

Horse Racing at Goodwood in Sussex, and in particular the lawn at Goodwood during racing events, has a rich history, often being depicted in art and associated with the social gatherings and aristocratic crowds that frequented the racecourse. King Edward VII even referred to Glorious Goodwood as "a garden party with racing tacked on," highlighting the lawn's role in the event's atmosphere. The lawns have been the scene of fashion, aristocratic socializing, and events like the Goodwood Hunt.

The illustrated painting, produced in the same year as the bookmark, is, 'The Lawn at Goodwood 1886', by Thomas Walter Wilson. The painting depicts a panoramic group portrait of spectators, racehorse owners with wives and friends, outside the pavilion at Goodwood. People depicted include The Prince of Wales and members of The Royal Family, some standing on the balcony of the pavilion. The Prince of Wales, who was the future King Edward VII, is there with his mistress, Lilly Langtry, who was a famous society actress, for whom Oscar Wilde wrote his famous play “Lady Windermere’s Fan”.

£395.00