At a recent meeting of the Executive Committee, Martin Easteal said that he would like to produce a modem version of Repton's Red Book for Hylands.
He reminded the committee that Repton prepared a 'Red Book' for each of his clients, in which he set out his proposals for the renovation and improvement of their property. Martin said that this was an important marketing exercise for Repton. Sadly the Red Book for Hylands had been lost. He said that with the Friends support he would like to publish a new one.
Each book produced by Repton had similar characteristics - it was bound in red leather (hence the name); its size was usually 12 inches by 9 inches with about 24/28 pages, with Repton's book plate inside the front cover. It also had a fold-out section to show `before' and `after' illustrations by Repton.
Martin proposed to reproduce those characteristics in a new book (as far as possible with modem printing methods) with a few specially commissioned water colours by James Merrith. Martin said that he had had preliminary discussions with The Printing Place who would like to undertake the work.
He said that the book would be written as if Repton was visiting Hylands about 20 years ago, before any restoration began and his proposals would foresee the restoration work subsequently carried out to the House and Park. It would thus serve as a short history of the modem restoration. Martin added that he would draft all this and seek comments from the relevant officers. It would be addressed to the Mayor and Corporation of Chelmsford, as the current owners.
A limited edition of about 20 copies would be produced in leather binding for presentation and for sale; and a further 200 copies in paperback binding would be for general sale.
Martin said that he was investigating the likely cost but added that some of this would be recouped from sales. More copies could be produced later if demand was sufficient. He said that he believed it would be a good project for the Friends to undertake and that he would be grateful for the Friends' support.
After supportive discussion, the Committee agreed to back the project.
Patrick Bermingham
Newsletter Editor