An Encyclopaedia Britannica trunk by Louis Vuitton, made in France, circa 1911
An Encyclopaedia Britannica trunk by Louis Vuitton, made in France, circa 1911
This very unusual trunk, dating from around 1911, was specially commissioned by Encyclopaedia Britannica and is associated with Cambridge. As described in 100 Legendary Trunks by Louis Vuitton, the idea was both ingenious and practical: rather than having to decide what essential reading material one might bring to a desert island, why not take the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica? Recognised as the most comprehensive and well-researched collection of knowledge, the encyclopaedia was continuously revised and updated, making it not only an indispensable source of learning but also an ideal companion for long journeys. In 1910, the publisher—linked to Cambridge University—placed an order for 1,000 trunks a full year before the eleventh edition was released. Each trunk was designed to house twenty-nine volumes, totalling roughly 28,000 pages (excluding the index) and containing 40,000 articles, all carefully edited to expand its market reach in North America.
Louis Vuitton was at the forefront of luxury trunk design during this era, and his library trunk, as part of a distinguished range of commercial trunks, was available in various finishes including black or tobacco-brown Vuittonite, monogram canvas, or even copper, depending on the order requirements. Once the lid was raised, the trunk revealed neatly arranged rows of volumes, each clearly numbered for easy identification. Louis Vuitton’s commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and functional design ensured that these trunks not only protected valuable contents but also embodied refined elegance. Today, this trunk remains a remarkable testament to early 20th-century innovation in both publishing and luxury travel goods, illustrating how practical needs and aesthetic excellence can come together in a truly legendary piece.
Condition: good vintage condition, complete with books. Lacking key. Please refer to photographs.
Dimensions: 27cm high, 90cm wide, 33cm deep
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REFERENCE: B2534wd