This collection of graphite drawings, mostly unsigned but with some initials, belonged in a sketchbook with the label 'Emily's Book of Sketches' that dates from around 1848 to 1852. There is no information as to who Emily was, and none of the drawings have the initial 'E', so it is likely this was a commonplace book collected by someone with that name, with some possible drawings done by the collector's hand.

The owner was obviously someone of privilege and consequence, for the drawings range across a vast number of geographic locations, starting with the United Kingdom, particularly Yorkshire and Scotland, reaching all the way to Germany and Switzerland. Spa towns, seaside retreats, castles and expansive woodlands are all represented here, captured with a spirited attention to detail, and a fine eye for line, shade and handling of the graphite medium.