BOOKS SIGNED BY QUEEN MARY OF TECK (1867-1953), wife of George V. The books were Christmas presents to Charles Cook, head gardener at Sandringham (19) (box)

BOOKS SIGNED BY QUEEN MARY OF TECK (1867-1953), wife of George V. The books were Christmas presents to Charles Cook, head gardener at Sandringham. 8 books signed and inscribed to Cook at Christmas from 1942-47 and 1949 & 1950. With 4 books unsigned but with presentation notes or cards, and with 7 copies of an off print by C H Cook, The Gardens of Their Majesties the King and Queen at Windsor (19) (box)

Charles Henderson Cook (1885-1963) was born in Ireland and trained as a gardener under his father. From 1904-14 he worked at Dalkeith Palace Gardens, Edinburgh, home of the Duke of Buccleuch. He then worked for the Earl of Derby at Knowsley Hall, Prescot, near Liverpool, 1914-24. He was employed by the Royal family as head gardener at Windsor and Frogmore from 1924-36, and as head gardener at Sandringham from 1936-52. He had the greatest regard and respect for Queen Mary. His daughter Constance married the well-known TV gardener Percy Thrower.