Thumb-O-Graph Album: Imprints of Thumbs

An Edwardian era novelty thumb print and autograph book which spans 80 years of collecting from 1905 until 1985. ‘The Latest & Newest Form of Science and Amusement’. A gift inscription dated 2/9/05 to front free reads, ’Morley with love from Annie [Style]’. The first four entries next to vivid blue thumb prints read N. Style, Annie Style, Marion Style and Morley J. Style. Almost half of the book is filled with the most common names being Griffin, Adams, Babbs, Allen, Hill, Bizley, Vowles, Leney and Styles. The last entries are dated 15/6/85 by the Leney family.

PHYSICAL CONDITION: Green cloth boards titled in gilt over lighter green panel to front; rubbed to corners otherwise square and sound. Remnants of the attached ink block fixing to rear. Clean and unmarked. A lovely example reflecting the huge Edwardian trend in collecting thumbprints and signatures at social gatherings which continued to be used and enjoyed until the 1980s.