VIGILANCE

A marvellous slice of unexplored Edwardian social history, raising questions of morality, censorship, art and pornography, from the papers of William J. Taylor, Secretary of the London Female Preventive and Reformatory Institution. The 'Living Statuary' controversy arose over 'the propriety of the living statuary exhibitions in music-halls' (Daily Chronicle, 30 April 1907), and in particular the performances of the Australian artiste Pansy Montague (b.

1p., 12mo. Page headed 'Vigilance Association for the Defence of Personal Rights,' with text beginning: 'In order to assist the effective carrying out of the work of this Association, Mr. P. A. TAYLOR offers an Annual Subscription of £100 a-year for three years, on condition that £900 per annum for three years be granted by other Subscribers. | [...]'. After a list of 'promised' subscriptions, ends: 'An "Unknown Friend" offers a special Donation of One Hundred Pounds.' Signed in type at end: 'ELIZABETH C. WOLSTENHOLME, | SECRETARY.

2pp., 12mo. Single leaf with drophead title, signed in type by Goodall on p.2. In fair condition, lightly-aged, disbound. No copy traced on either COPAC or OCLC WorldCat.

[3]pp., 8vo. Bifolium with heading: 'Vigilance Association for the Defence of Personal Rights.' In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with evidence of side stitching. Text begins: 'The Royal Commissioners for inquiring into the operation of the Factory and Workshops Acts have issued the following circular:- [...]'. The third page is headed 'LIST OF PUBLICATIONS relating to the Subject of this Paper, to be obtained at the Office of the Vigilance Association, 27, Great George Street, Westminster.' No copy traced.

4pp., 8vo. Bifolium with drophead title. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, disbound, with evidence of side stitching. No copy (other than surrogates) traced, either on COPAC or on OCLC WorldCat. No other copy currently on the market.

4pp., 8vo. Bifolium with drophead title. In fair condition, lightly-aged and worn, disbound with evidence of side stitching. No copy traced, either on COPAC or OCLC WorldCat.

4pp., 12mo. Bifolium with drophead title. In fair condition, lightly-aged, disbound, with the two leaves separating. With purple oval stamp 'From the Secretary of the Vigilance Association, 2, Westminster Chambers, Victoria Street, S.W.' One copy on open market.

4pp., 8vo. Bifolium with drophead title. In fair condition, lightly-aged, disbound. Six copies on COPAC.

3pp., 8vo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly-aged, disbound. Beneath the Association's name at the head of the first page is a list of the names of the eight members of the 'Executive Committee', followed by the names and addresses of the treasurer and 'Hon. Secretary (pro tem.)'. The first page carries a four-point 'Constitution', the second page carries eight 'Rules', and the third page a membership form. It would appear reasonable to date the pamphlet from the time of the Association's foundation. Only one copy found on either COPAC or OCLC WorldCat, at the London School of Economics.