HESSLE NATIONAL SCHOOLS – Grand Bazaar and Japanese Fête – Large Illustrated East Yorkshire Fundraising Broadside – Hessle – c.1894

Large illustrated broadside printed by C. Gillatt, Hessle. Approximately 40.3 × 39.3 cm.

A rare and visually striking late Victorian fundraising broadside advertising a Grand Bazaar and Japanese Fête held in the Parish Hall, Hessle, on Wednesday and Thursday, 19th and 20th September, in aid of the recently enlarged Hessle National Schools.

The broadside states that the schools had “recently been enlarged” at a cost exceeding £2,000 and that a balance of more than £400 remained outstanding on the new buildings. Contemporary records confirm that Hessle National School underwent a major enlargement in 1892 to accommodate the town’s rapidly growing population, making the present broadside an important document in the history of education in Hessle.

The event was organised on an ambitious scale. The Lord Bishop of Hull was announced as chairman, while the opening ceremonies were undertaken by Mrs Harrison-Broadley and Mrs Arthur Wilson, supported respectively by Colonel Harrison-Broadley, M.P., and Arthur Wilson, J.P., D.L. Both families occupied prominent positions in the public and philanthropic life of the East Riding. Arthur Wilson, of the Wilson shipping family of Tranby Croft, was among the most influential businessmen and benefactors in the Hull district.

The decorative design is especially noteworthy. The broadside is surrounded by numerous illustrations of Japanese figures, parasols, costumes and decorative motifs, reflecting the widespread Victorian enthusiasm for Japanese culture and design known today as Japonisme. Following the opening of Japan to international trade and the popularity of Japanese displays at international exhibitions, “Japanese Bazaars” and “Japanese Fêtes” became fashionable fundraising entertainments throughout Britain during the final decades of the nineteenth century. The present example is an unusually elaborate provincial manifestation of that phenomenon.

Among the attractions advertised are stalls devoted to Churchwares and Linens, Fancy Work, Plain Work, Flowers, Country Produce, Toys, China, Stationery, Sweets and Refreshments, together with a Girls’ Working Party and numerous competitions. The programme also included concerts and dramatic entertainments, notably Charity Begins at Home and A Romantic Attachment. The broadside preserves the names of dozens of local participants and organisers, providing a valuable record of the social and charitable networks of late Victorian Hessle.

Beyond its decorative appeal, the broadside offers a detailed snapshot of educational fundraising, parish organisation and community life in one of the East Riding’s most rapidly developing towns during the late nineteenth century. Intended for temporary display and use, such large-format local fundraising posters rarely survive.

A highly attractive and uncommon survival of Yorkshire educational, social and cultural history, combining local history, Victorian philanthropy, school history and the influence of Japanese aesthetics on provincial Britain.

Condition: Good overall. Faded and slightly stained, fold lines, age-toning and handling wear. Some edge wear and minor losses. Complete and entirely legible.

Why Buy from Hornseys?

Established in 1976, Hornseys specialises in rare books, signed editions, manuscripts, historical documents and works of enduring cultural importance. From our gallery in Ripon, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, we serve collectors, institutions and bibliophiles throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.

Our reputation is built upon careful scholarship, accurate cataloguing and a long-standing commitment to authenticity, provenance and condition. Every item we offer is selected not simply for rarity, but for its significance within the history of literature, art, politics, exploration and collecting.

Expertise and Authenticity

Each book, manuscript or historical item is thoroughly researched and professionally described. We carefully examine points of issue, bindings, dust jackets, inscriptions, provenance and bibliographical references to ensure accuracy and authenticity throughout our catalogue.

Curated Collections

Our stock is individually chosen for rarity, condition, historical importance and collector appeal. We specialise in literary first editions, children’s books, modern literature, signed and inscribed copies, Churchilliana, fine bindings, rare maps and unusual historical ephemera.

Provenance and Scholarship

We place particular importance on provenance and collecting history. Wherever possible, our cataloguing traces ownership, associations and historical context, allowing collectors to acquire objects with genuine bibliographical and historical significance.

Customer Service

We aim to provide a professional and straightforward buying experience, from detailed cataloguing and high-quality photography to secure packaging and prompt worldwide shipping. We are always happy to discuss condition, provenance or collecting advice directly with clients.

Returns Guarantee

All items are offered with an unconditional guarantee of authenticity. Purchases may be returned within fourteen days of receipt for any reason, provided items are returned in the same condition in which they were supplied. We simply request advance notice of any return.

Explore Our Collection

Discover exceptional rare books, manuscripts, signed editions and historical material at Hornseys. With nearly fifty years of experience in the trade, we continue to offer carefully curated material chosen for rarity, condition, provenance and lasting cultural importance.