A STUNNING new book has been added to the volumes at Tavistock Library, courtesy of the Endsleigh Charitable Trust. The trustees have donated a copy of the original Endsleigh Red Book, which contains improvement plans for the estate in 1814, drawn up by Humphry Repton for the Duke of Bedford. Moira Andrews, librarian-in-charge, said: ?It?s a beautiful book, it?s absolutely amazing. His illustrations show the before and after designs that he put forward to the duke for the changes at the Endsleigh site ? the pictures are stunning. It?s been printed on watercolour-based paper, so they look like original pictures ? it?s just amazing.? Mrs Andrews said the Endsleigh trustees approached the library last year to see if staff would be interested in receiving one of two copies produced in 2002, the original of which was kept at Woburn Abbey. Mrs Andrews said: ?I jumped at the chance. They were quite categoric they wanted it to be in the library, so it could be as accessible as possible to the public, so once we have a cabinet made, it will be there for everyone to see.? Mrs Andrews said the book includes an inscription by Repton to the Duke of Bedford. Repton was obviously struck by the beauty of the site at Endsleigh, which he described as the ?most picturesque? he had ever been consulted upon. ?To such a task I should joyfully dedicate every energy of body, limbs and mind,? Repton wrote to the Duke, for his ?comfort, grace and pleasure?, signing himself as the Duke?s ?most obedient, humble servant?. The Endsleigh Red Book will go on display in Tavistock Library during the next few weeks.
