3-008-652 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The International Exhibition: The Lady Godiva Ribbon, by J. Ratliff and Son, of Coventry, 1862. 'This work consists of a passage from Tennyson's poem "Godiva" illuminated in a masterly way by Mr. R. R. Holmes, F.S.A. The prevailing colour of the illumination is rich crimson red, and the lettering is black, but the whole is enriched with parts in yellow, blue, green, orange-red, and white, all the colours being full and harmonious. In the upper portion of the design we have the arms of Coventry, the crest of the Ratliff family, and the crest of the designer; in the lower portion the initials J. C. R., being those of John Cleophas Ratliff, the managing partner of the firm and the suggester of the design - Lady Godiva on horseback, "Grim Earl amongst his dogs," Peeping Tom, and a shield containing the initials of Alfred Tennyson, the composer of the words. The whole work is one of merit and beauty, and requires 17,000 cards in order to its production'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.