Author: (WIRGMAN, CHARLES)
Title: Sketches in China. Hong-Kong Races, 1858. [caption title]
Publication: London. The Illustrated London News, May 15, 1858
Description:
Four quarter page engravings approx 13 x 23 cm and 17 x 23.5 cm on a double page newspaper leaf, with explanatory text, central fold (six small stab sewing punctures), the leaf with marginal edge wear and occasional spotting but in very good condition.
Four engravings and commentary from "The Illustrated London News" by the "Special Artist and Correspondent", Charles Wirgman (1806-1857), who used Hong Kong as his base for visits to Manila, Macau and China. The engravings are: "The One-Shilling Stand" (the artist has included himself in the crowd); "Start of the Celestials"; "The Race-Course, Happy Valley" and "The Road". The commentary mentions the champions Snowdrop, Sir Michael and Snowdon, the most important race of the day being the Canton Cup and declares Happy Valley racecourse "the most picturesque in the whole world".
Wirgman accompanied Felix Beato to record the Chinese wars and was to set up a studio with Beato "with whom he was to be in partnership in Yokohama as 'artists and photographers' in 1864-67". He also introduced European-style cartoons to Japan. See Joan Kerr, Design and Art Australia online (DAAO).
From the Estate of the late collector and scholar Arthur Hacker.
When referring to this item please quote stockid 178735.
Seller ID: 178735
Subject: All Galleries, Antiquarian, Ephemera and Maps