[Illuminated Manuscript on Vellum] 1 John 4:7-21

1 John 4:7–21. [Leicester, England, June 1923.] Illuminated manuscript on vellum, 4 pages of text in a formal textura hand, opening with a large burnished-gold initial “B”; throughout, selected initials also in burnished gold. Neat colophon in a small formal hand on the rear pastedown: “This book was made for / Dr: Gertrude E. Austin / Leicester June 1923.” Contemporary full vellum over boards, the upper cover lettered “1 John 4 7–21”; plain vellum pastedowns and endleaves. 4pp, two vellum leaves. Vellum binding lightly toned and spotted; some foxing to endpapers, natural mellowing to pages of text. Some internal binding stitches coming undone (see pic). Measures approx. 13.5" x 8.25".

Commissioned for Dr. Gertrude E. Austin of Leicester, a physician who was among the first women elected to the Leicester Medical Society in 1919 and later became its first woman President (1935). 

The script, raised gilding, and restrained Arts & Crafts layout point to the British calligraphic revival in the orbit of Edward Johnston, quite possibly a practitioner associated with the Leicester School of Arts & Crafts.