The government has delayed the sale of a visitors’ book from Downing Street during the tenures of Margaret Thatcher and Sir John Major due to a disagreement over who owns it. The government argues that the book is a part of the nation’s history and therefore their property.
The red leather book holds the autographs of well-known guests, including members of royalty and prominent figures like former US president Ronald Reagan and Princess Diana.
The auctioneer has labeled it as “one-of-a-kind and significant”, featuring a front panel adorned with gilt tooling and gilt lettering. Its estimated value is over £10,000.
In December 1985, the book was signed by the Duke of Edinburgh and the late queen to commemorate the 250th anniversary of 10 Downing Street. Notable individuals such as George HW Bush, the Princess Royal, Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, former prime ministers James Callaghan and Harold Wilson, and heads of government who were present at the G7 summit in July 1991 have also signed the book.
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A former government employee from No 10 has put a book up for auction, claiming to have found it in a water-damaged box in a Whitehall basement over 20 years ago. However, the planned sale has been postponed as the Cabinet Office has stated that the book falls under government property according to the Public Records Act 1958.
Chiswick Auctions, located in West London, has stated that they plan to proceed with selling the book once the ownership has been confirmed. They have also stated that their client had reached out to No 10 twice, in both 2017 and 2020, to offer to return the book but did not receive a response. Initially valued at £10,000 to £15,000, the auctioneer now believes that the final selling price may be higher due to a recent surge in interest.
The auction house reported that the seller, who wishes to remain unnamed, discovered the book after being granted permission to remove boxes that were damaged by water and labeled for disposal due to a flood at 70 Whitehall.
In 2017, he finally opened the boxes and was surprised to find the book carefully wrapped in tissue paper and bubble wrap.
Valentina Borghi, the leader of autographs and memorabilia at the auction company, stated: “Despite reaching out to No 10 twice and receiving no reply, my client has made the tough choice to sell the book through an auction in order to cover some of their unmanageable expenses caused by health issues and the high cost of living.”
A source from Downing Street informed PA Media that they will be making efforts to regain possession of this property belonging to the crown. The book holds historical significance and should not be sold by an individual, but rather be preserved for the nation. According to PA, it was reported that No 10 was not aware of any contact made by the individual in 2017 or 2020.
Source: theguardian.com
