Manuscript account book of an East London sign painter: 'F. J. L. Foot | Ledger & Journal | Business Commencing | Aug 27th 1934'.

286pp., foolscap 8vo, with 143 numbered double-page spreads. In sturdy ruled account book with stamp of the London stationers Parnell & Co. Very good, on lightly-aged paper, in worn black-cloth binding. Each entry gives the name and address of the business for which the work was done, with details of the job including the dimensions of the letters, and cost. Although some work is done in central London (Bedford College, Regent's Park), most is for firms in the E17 (Walthamstow) and E18 (Woodford) postcodes, suggesting Foot's location in the same neighbourhood. Among a large number of clients are an off licence, cinema, garage, estate agents, oil company. The first two entries are typical: 'Aug 27 [1934] Dean Brothers 56 Eden Rd E17. | Writing 1 Pair Gates | Wording "Dean Bros" in 12" | "Goods Entrance" in 7" | £1 1s 0d | Septr 6 W. H. Fenzer & Sons Hoe Str. E17 | 3 Black Show cards 12" x 9 3/4" a 1/3 | 1 do 11" x 8" @ 1/6 | £0 5s 3d'. An interesting long entry reads: 'January 23 [1936]. Mr Wheatcroft. Hairdressers, 801, Forest Rd, E17. | Writing 1 facia in gold, black edge and 2 colour green blocking £1 16s 0d | Fancy decorating to interior of premises £1 0s 0d | Writing No. on fanlight in Brilliant gold with black edge £0 7s 6d | To restoring gold and black edge ribbon to shop windows £1 8s 6d | Writing in Burnished gold, black and cream edging to name and black to remainder green scrolling (Glass door) £1 14s 0d | Supplying to cards 14" x 18" £0 4s 0d'. Running backwards from 143 to 134 are accounts of Foot's expenditure, not itemised.