[Illuminated Retirement Address]. "To Alderman Thomas Oswald Williams". Calligraphic manuscript address on vellum, with a large illustrated frame decorated with burnished gold and other colors surrounding the addressee's name, facing a page of black and red calligraphy, with two illuminated initials, also done in burnished gold. Presented by the Birmingham City Council, at a meeting on 10th November 1924. Addressed to the retiring Chairman of the Council, Thomas Oswald Williams. 6 vellum leaves, with manuscript on 2 leaves.
Bound in crushed green morocco by "F. Garrett Binder" (signed in gilt by the binder to rear turn-in). Covers with gilt double fillet border, inner panel filled with a diapered gilt floral design in the Arts & Crafts style, including the central initials "TOW", and dissected with inlaid red dots. Single gilt fillet on turn-ins. Measures approx. 9" x 11.5". Fading and rubbing to boards, spine darkened and worn.
Frank Garrett was a noted bookbinder associated with the Birmingham School of Art, regularly exhibiting at the Arts and Crafts exhibitions of the period, and whose work was prominently featured in The Art of the Book (produced by The Studio in 1914).