Louis Vuitton Encyclopaedia Britannica Library Trunk

Description

A Louis Vuitton Encyclopaedia Britannica Library Trunk produced as part of a limited commission of one thousand examples for the eleventh edition Encyclopaedia Britannica, dating to the early twentieth century, circa 1911.

The trunk is of elongated rectangular form and finished in the classic Louis Vuitton monogram canvas, secured with brass rivets, reinforced brass corner mounts, and the original Louis Vuitton lock plates. The interior is purpose built with four fitted compartments designed to house the complete twenty nine volume set of the Encyclopaedia Britannica eleventh edition, which remains present within the trunk. Each compartment is precisely measured to allow the volumes to sit securely and evenly.

The eleventh edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica was first published in 1910 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential reference works of the twentieth century, comprising approximately 28,000 pages and more than 40,000 articles. In anticipation of its release, the publisher, associated with Cambridge University, commissioned Louis Vuitton to produce one thousand trunks specifically designed to transport and present the full set to subscribers.

Each trunk was manufactured by Louis Vuitton to facilitate the delivery and storage of the encyclopaedia, reflecting the firm’s established expertise in producing bespoke library and institutional trunks during this period.

A documented Louis Vuitton special commission model retaining its original fitted interior and complete set of volumes.

Literature

100 Legendary Trunks – Louis Vuitton 253 Library Trunk, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Cambridge, 1911.

Reference

For another complete example see Christies Sale 23508 Lot 41

Encyclopedia / Encyclopaedia 

The word encyclopedia has two accepted spellings. Encyclopedia is the American English form and is now the most widely used internationally. Encyclopaedia is the traditional British English spelling, derived from the original Greek ligature æ. While both forms are correct, encyclopedia is standard in the United States and Canada and is increasingly used globally, whereas encyclopaedia remains the historic British form, though its use has declined in modern publishing.

Louis Vuitton (Louis Vuitton Malletier)

is a French luxury fashion house and company founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton. The label’s LV monogram appears on most of its products which range from luxury bags and leather goods to ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories. Louis Vuitton is one of the world’s leading international fashion houses. It sells its products through standalone boutiques, high-end department stores and through the LV website. Louis Vuitton was named the world’s most valuable luxury brand for six consecutive years (2006–2012) The company operates in 50 countries with more than 460 stores worldwide.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers page on Louis Vuitton.

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