International Autograph Auctions Ltd.
Lot 1
GRACE W. G.: (1848-1915) English Cricketer. A fine, unusual vintage signed 10 x 7.5 photograph, the image depicting Grace seated outdoors in a full length pose accompanied by seven other gentlemen, two of whom are seated alongside the cricketer with the other five seen standing in a row behind the seated men. In the immediate background the door and windows of a partially ivy covered building can be seen, which would appear to be Cumberland Lodge, a country house in Windsor Great Park. Signed ('W. G. Grace') in dark fountain pen ink to the lower photographer's mount. Grace has further identified each of the other subjects in his hand to the photographer's mount, including Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein (1831-1917, German Prince, husband of Princess Helena, daughter of Queen Victoria, who both resided at Cumberland Lodge during their marriage), Prince Albert, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein (1869-1931, Grandson of Queen Victoria and son of Princess Helena and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein), George Beldam (1868-1937, English Cricketer and pioneer of action photography in sport) and Charles Thornton (1850-1929, English Cricketer). Some very light, extremely minor age wear to the edges and corners of the photographer's mount, including some minor chipping and areas of paper loss, otherwise about VG Cumberland Lodge was used as a venue for private cricket matches, and Grace played there on a number of occasions for Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein's XI against a variety of teams.
