Layton acquired reference books about objects as well as the objects themselves. This fine example, about early English pottery, was published in a limited edition of 500 copies in 1891. The embossed cover design uses the style of lettering from Staffordshire slipware, especially that of
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The Nativity of the late King Charles Astrologically and Faithfully performed with reasons in the Art of the various Success and Mis-fortune of his whole life, by John Gadbury, published by James Cottrell, London in 1659. Layton Collection no 1602 These two pages come from
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The Life and Times of James Catnach by Charles Hindley, published by Reeves & Turner: London, 1878. Layton Collection no 1588 Layton was interested in the kind of chap books with rhymes and woodcuts which Catnach produced and there are several volumes about him in
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Lives of Famous London Beggars with Forty Portraits of the most remarkable drawn from life by John Thomas Smith, published by Diprose and Bateman: London. Layton Collection no 1196 Layton’s collection includes several books recording the appearance and lives of comparatively ordinary people. This is
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Layton’s collection includes several volumes of songs and music. This example, from the late 18th century, comprises a range of songs with title illustrations throughout. The illustration shows the book open at a song entitled Strawberry Hill whose lyrics mention a number of local mansions,
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The works of James Gillray, the caricaturist, by Thomas Wright, Chatto & Windus, London, 1874. Layton Collection no 393 This volume introduced Gillray to a wider public than the 1851 folio edition of Gillray’s images of which Wright had been co-author. The book contains two
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5,200 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts including items from UK, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Peru and N. America.
A remarkable collection of 3,500 coins, tokens and medals - Roman, Greek, Indian, American and British.
4,000 maps and prints and 150 framed prints, maps and paintings.
8,000 from the 16th century to 19th century, remain in the collection, together with a small collection of manuscripts and some of Layton's personal papers.
Thomas Layton lived in Brentford, Middlesex between 1826 and 1911... read more
Download a walk through Victorian Brentford and discover some of Layton's legacy
Purchase a beautifully illustrated book by Mike Galer, called Layton's Legacy.