GB Unusual cover: 4x 1d Red Plate 57 & 2x 2d Blue Plate 3. Used. C£950 (6069)

6069 GB Unusual cover: 4x 1d Red Plate 57 & 2x 2d Blue Plate 3. Used. C£950: Unusual cover consisting of 4x 1d Red-Brown Plate 57 Spec BS46, in a strip of 3 (MG-MI) and a single (MD with Basal Shift) totalling 4. Paired with 2x 2d Blue plate 3 as singles (IK & EF) Spec ES10wa. All stamps have 4 large clear margins. The cover sent to Lord Northwick, (John Rushout), who was one of the foremost collectors of artwork by the Old Masters. It appears that the letter was sent from London on the 11th of November 1845 (London 16 Diamond cancel), arriving in Morton-In-Marsh (notably spelling Morton without a "e") on 12th of November 1845. This being Northwick Park, the previous home of Lord Northwick before he finished the construction of Thirlestaine House. The letter is then forwarded, unopened from Campden on 13th of November 1845 to Cheltenham, arriving on the 14th of November at Lord Northwicks new home for this collection of artwork at Thirlestaine House in Cheltenham. This letter directly ties the historical events of Lord Northwick's move from Moreton In Marsh to Cheltenham, creating a very unusual cover with a fascinating story.

John Rushout, 2nd Baron Northwick (1770–1859), was an English peer, art collector, and landowner. Born in Westminster, he toured Italy in 1790, befriending notable figures such as Edward Gibbon, Horatio Nelson, and the Hamiltons. While living at the Bay of Palermo, Rushout became the first man in Europe to hear of Nelson's victory at the Battle of the Nile (1798) directly from Nelson. He was also present at the execution of Prince Francesco Caracciolo, sitting at Nelson's table on the flagship. Known for his extensive art collection, which included works by Old Masters and contemporary artists, Rushout built galleries at Northwick Park in 1832 and Thirlestaine House in 1838 to display his treasures. His collection featured paintings, miniatures, enamels, prints, and coins. He succeeded to his titles and estates in 1800 after his father's death, becoming the 6th Baronet Rushout and 2nd Baron Northwick. A Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, he significantly influenced property development in Cheltenham. Rushout maintained connections with cultural and political elites of his time, leaving a lasting legacy as a patron of the arts.