BOOK SAFE given to Marianne Faithfull in 1999

From the estate of Marianne Faithfull where it was used by the singer songwriter in her Paris flat. Large octavo copy of The Christian Journal Vol V Glasgow, 1837 which is soberly bound in half calf over marbled boards, repurposed as leather-lined book safe. The book safe has been inscribed on the front flyleaf to Faithfull: ‘London 26.4.99. A very happy last, before the billenium…. B.Day [drawn heart] Austin[??]’ We have not been able to identify the gift giver’s name.

MARIANNE FAITHFULL (1946-2025) was a singer who found ‘pop fame and tabloid infamy in the 60s but returned to music in the 70s with Broken English, a statement of bloody-minded survival’ (Guardian) She forged a 50 year career as a songwriter and recording artist after escaping her early image as Mick Jagger’s angelic girlfriend as well as achieving some success as an actor, all of it against a backdrop of addiction and personal struggles which were made manifest in her music. She died last year in Paris.

PROVENANCE: From the estate of Marianne Faithfull.