On offer: an original (i.e. not a later reproduction) scarce antique print "Porch of St Mary's Church.", Oxford. Offered with contemporary hand colour.
DATE PRINTED: 1814, dated on the print.
SIZE: The printed area including titles is approximately 22.5 x 13.5 cm, 9 x 5.25 inches (medium).
ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Engraved by Daniel Havell (1785 – 1822) from a study by A. Pugin. Augustus Charles Pugin, born Auguste-Charles Pugin, (1762–1832) was an Anglo-French artist, architectural draughtsman, and writer on medieval architecture. He was born in Paris, then the Kingdom of France, but his father was Swiss, and Pugin himself was to spend most of his life in England. Pugin left France during the Revolutionary period for unclear reasons about 1798 and later entered the Royal Academy Schools in London to improve his skills. Shortly afterwards he obtained a position as an architectural draughtsman with the architect John Nash. After considering and abandoning a career in architecture Pugin married and settled on a career as a commercial artist working primarily for publishers of illustrated books. He was a skilful watercolourist as well as an accomplished draftsman.
PROVENANCE: Published in 'A History of the University of Oxford, Its Colleges, Halls, and Public Buildings.'. Published in London by R Ackermann. Rudolph Ackermann (1764-1834) was one of the most important figures in the history of colour plate books. His attention to detail, eye for art, and ability to coordinate the necessary authors, artists, engravers, printers, binders, and booksellers led to a huge body of work of extraordinary quality. "These two books [Ackermann's History of Oxford and History of Cambridge] are among the finest ever executed. A. Pugin, F. Nach, F. Mackenzie, and W. Westall were associated in the drawings, which are worthy even of the splendid architectural monuments they commemorate, while the engraving was carried out by such masters of aquatint as J. Bluck, J.C. Stadler, F.C. Lewis, D. Havell and others of like reputation. The result was the production of plates of unequalled merit in their particular line" (Prideaux, pp. 125-6).
TYPE: Antique colour aquatint printed on paper.
VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is blank.
CONDITION: Good, suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian paper is subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not significant unless otherwise stated. I offer a no questions asked return policy.
AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic antique print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy. The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique.
RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition.
POSTAGE / SHIPPING COSTS: I only charge postage for the first print ordered. There is no additional postage charge if you order more than one print.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The University Church of St Mary the Virgin (St Mary's or SMV for short) is an Oxford church situated on the north side of the High Street. It is the centre from which the University of Oxford grew and its parish consists almost exclusively of university and college buildings. St Mary's possesses an eccentric baroque porch, designed by Nicholas Stone, facing High Street, and a spire which is claimed by some church historians to be one of the most beautiful in England. Radcliffe Square lies to the north and to the east is Catte Street. The 13th-century tower is open to the public for a fee and provides good views across the heart of the historic university city, especially Radcliffe Square, the Radcliffe Camera, Brasenose College, Oxford and All Souls College.
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