Background
John Boydell was born at Dorrington Lane, Shropshire, United Kingdom in 1719; the son of Josiah and Mary Boydell (née Milnes).
(London: Published by J. Boydell, 1750. Hand-coloured engr...)
London: Published by J. Boydell, 1750. Hand-coloured engraving. Very good condition apart from some overall light soiling and two 3/4" and 1/2" tears in the bottom and left margins respectively. Plate mark: 10 3/8 x 17 inches. Sheet size: 16 x 21 5/8 inches. A fine image of London from Boydell's series of plates "Collection of One Hundred Views in England and Wales, " which was published in 1770.Towards the middle of the eighteenth century, a genre was developed among English artists and printmakers that sought to record the natural beauties of England and Wales. Sparked by a sense of national confidence and patriotism, printmakers began to publish topographical views of the important sights in the British Isles. Intending to encourage public recognition of the beauty and history of England, printmakers sought English and foreign tourists desiring a memento of their travels and "armchair travellers" who collected topography instead of traveling. John Boydell made a name for himself by joining this nationalistic trend and publishing several series of topographical engravings.John Boydell was one of the most influential figures in the history of English printmaking. He was not only an accomplished engraver and an industrious publisher, but also a print seller who came to dominate the English print trade. He is best known as the originator of the Shakespeare Gallery, which made him one of the most successful print-sellers of his time.Woolwich was the site of the Royal Military Academy (founded in 1741) and the Royal Arsenal.Cf. Adams, London Illustrated 16404-1851 47; cf. Clayton, The English Print 1688-1802, pp. 115-116 & 155.
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(London: Published by John Boydell, at the Unicorn the Cor...)
London: Published by John Boydell, at the Unicorn the Corner of Queen Street Cheapside, 1752. Engraving beautifully hand-coloured. Printed on watermarked laid paper. In excellent condition. Image size (including text): 9 3/16 x 16 7/16 inches. Plate mark: 10 1/8 x 16 7/8 inches. Sheet size: 15 1/8 x 20 1/2 inches. A charming view of Blenheim Palace, the seat of the Duke of Marlborough, in Oxfordshire by John Boydell.Towards the middle of the eighteenth century a trend developed amongst English artists and printmakers, which sought to visually record the natural beauties of England and Wales. Sparked by a sense of national confidence and patriotism, English printmakers began to publish topographical prints of the important sights in the British Isles. In addition to being a visual record of the countryside, they were meant to encourage public recognition of the beauty and history of England. They were aimed at English and foreign tourists who desired a memento of their travels, or at those vicarious tourists who collected topographical prints instead of traveling. John Boydell made a name for himself by joining this nationalistic trend and publishing a long series of topographical engravings. These fine engravings are some of the earliest examples of Boydell's work when he was known more as an engraver than a publisher and printseller. This striking image is a wonderful view of Blenheim Palace, which remains a national treasure and one of Britain's most impressive buildings. The palace was presented by the nation to John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his victory over the French at Blenheim in 1704. The estate was built by Sir John Vanbrugh in a grandiose eclectic style, which demonstrated a return to national roots and is a wonderful example of eighteenth century English architecture. This beautiful view not only depicts this grand building but also shows the activities which occurred on a daily basis on the estate.
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(London: Published by John Boydell Engraver at the Globe n...)
London: Published by John Boydell Engraver at the Globe near Durham Yard in the Strand, 1750. Engraving beautifully hand-coloured. Printed on watermarked laid paper. In excellent condition. Image size: 10 7/8 x 17 inches. Plate mark: 11 3/4 x 17 5/8 inches. Sheet size: 15 1/2 x 20 11/16 inches. A striking view of Caernarvon Castle, built by Edward I in Northern Wales.Towards the middle of the eighteenth century a trend developed amongst English artists and printmakers, which sought to visually record the natural beauties of England and Wales. Sparked by a sense of national confidence and patriotism, English printmakers began to publish topographical prints of the important sights in the British Isles. In addition to being a visual record of the countryside, they were meant to encourage public recognition of the beauty and history of England. They were aimed at English and foreign tourists who desired a memento of their travels, or at those vicarious tourists who collected topographical prints instead of traveling. John Boydell made a name for himself by joining this nationalistic trend and publishing a long series of topographical engravings. These fine engravings are some of the earliest examples of Boydell's work when he was known more as an engraver than a publisher and printseller. This is a lovely view of Caernarvon Castle, which depicts the bustling life that surrounded this historic landmark. Caernarvon is one of the most impressive castles built by Edward I in Wales, and remains one of the most beautiful medieval fortresses in Europe. Set on a peninsula bounded by the Menia Strait, Caernarvon was built as a seat of administrative power, and acted as a symbol of English dominance in Northern Wales. John Boydell is one of the most influential figures in the history of English printmaking. He was not only an accomplished engraver, and an industrious publisher, but as a printseller he came to dominate the English print trade.
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(London: Published by John Boydell at the Globe near Durha...)
London: Published by John Boydell at the Globe near Durham Yard in the Strand, 1750. Engraving with hand-colour. In very good condition. Image size (including text): 12 x 17 5/8 inches. Sheet size: 16 1/8 x 21 7/8 inches. A striking view from Boydell's series of plates "Collection of One Hundred Views in England and Wales." Towards the middle of the eighteenth century, a trend developed among English artists and printmakers who sought to record visually the natural beauty of England and Wales. Sparked by a sense of national confidence and patriotism, English printmakers began to publish topographical prints of the important sights in the British Isles. In addition to being a visual record of the countryside, they were meant to encourage public recognition of the beauty and history of England. They were aimed at English and foreign tourists who desired a memento of their travels, or at those armchair travellers who collected topographical prints instead of traveling. John Boydell made a name for himself by joining this nationalistic trend and publishing a long series of topographical engravings. These fine engravings are some of the earliest examples of Boydell's work when he was known more as an engraver than a publisher and print seller.John Boydell is one of the most influential figures in the history of English printmaking. He was not only an accomplished engraver and an industrious publisher, but also a talented print seller who came to dominate the English print trade. He is best known as the originator of the Shakespeare Gallery, which made him one of the most successful print sellers of his time. Le Blanc, Manuel de L'Amateur D'Estampes, p. 504, no 86; Clayton, The English Print 1688-1802, pp. 115-116 & 155.
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(London: Published by J. Boydell, 1751. Hand-coloured engr...)
London: Published by J. Boydell, 1751. Hand-coloured engraving. Very good condition apart from some overall light soiling, minor foxing, and a mild water stain along the right edge of the bottom margin. Slight discolouration of the paper due to age. Slightly trimmed on the right side. Image size (including text): 10 3/8 x 17 inches. Sheet size: 14 1/8 x 19 5/8 inches. A fine image of London's most famous bridge from Boydell's series of plates "Collection of One Hundred Views in England and Wales, " published in 1770. Built on the site of a wooden bridge constructed by the Romans after AD43, the stone London Bridge of Boydell's day was erected in 1176. In between its north and south towers were numerous shops and houses, the rents of which went towards maintaining the bridge. They were later removed as the result of an Act of Parliament instituted in 1756. After years of sustaining heavy traffic, London Bridge was eventually rebuilt in 1825. Towards the middle of the eighteenth century, a trend developed among English artists and printmakers who sought to visually record the natural beauties of England and Wales. Sparked by a sense of national confidence and patriotism, English printmakers began to publish topographical prints of the important sights in the British Isles. In addition to being a visual record of the countryside, they were meant to encourage public recognition of the beauty and history of England. They were aimed at English and foreign tourists who desired a memento of their travels, or at those armchair travellers who collected topographical prints instead of traveling. John Boydell made a name for himself by joining this nationalistic trend and publishing several series of topographical engravings.John Boydell is one of the most influential figures in the history of English printmaking. He was not only an accomplished engraver and an industrious publisher, but also as a printseller he came to dominate the English print trade.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DZAFZBQ/?tag=2022091-20
(London: Published by John Boydell at the Globe near Durha...)
London: Published by John Boydell at the Globe near Durham Yard in the Strand, 1750. Engraving with hand-colour. Printed on watermarked laid paper. In excellent condition with the exception of being trimmed just outside the plate mark on the lower margin. Glue residue along the outer edges of verso. Image size: 12 1/2 x 18 5/16 inches. Plate mark: 13 5/8 x 19 inches. Sheet size: 14 1/4 x 20 7/8 inches. A striking view of Penmaen Mawr in Northern Wales, from Boydell's series of plates "Collection of One Hundred Views in England and Wales."Towards the middle of the eighteenth century, a trend developed among English artists and printmakers who sought to record visually the natural beauty of England and Wales. Sparked by a sense of national confidence and patriotism, English printmakers began to publish topographical prints of the important sights in the British Isles. In addition to being a visual record of the countryside, they were meant to encourage public recognition of the beauty and history of England. They were aimed at English and foreign tourists who desired a memento of their travels, or at those armchair travellers who collected topographical prints instead of traveling. John Boydell made a name for himself by joining this nationalistic trend and publishing a long series of topographical engravings. These fine engravings are some of the earliest examples of Boydell's work when he was known more as an engraver than a publisher and print seller.John Boydell is one of the most influential figures in the history of English printmaking. He was not only an accomplished engraver and an industrious publisher, but also a talented print seller who came to dominate the English print trade. He is best known as the originator of the Shakespeare Gallery, which made him one of the most successful print sellers of his time. Le Blanc, Manuel de L'Amateur D'Estampes, p. 504, no 85; Clayton, The English Print 1688-1802, pp. 115-116 & 155.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DYZC826/?tag=2022091-20
(London: Published by John Boydell, at the Unicorn the Cor...)
London: Published by John Boydell, at the Unicorn the Corner of Queen Street Cheapside, 1752. Engraving beautifully hand-coloured. Printed on watermarked laid paper. In excellent condition. Image size: 9 5/16 x 16 7/8 inches. Plate mark: 10 1/4 x 16 7/8 inches. Sheet size: 15 1/4 x 20 1/2 inches. A charming view of Blenheim Palace, the seat of the Duke of Marlborough, with the village of Woodstock in the distance.Towards the middle of the eighteenth century a trend developed amongst English artists and printmakers, which sought to visually record the natural beauties of England and Wales. Sparked by a sense of national confidence and patriotism, English printmakers began to publish topographical prints of the important sights in the British Isles. In addition to being a visual record of the countryside, they were meant to encourage public recognition of the beauty and history of England. They were aimed at English and foreign tourists who desired a memento of their travels, or at those vicarious tourists who collected topographical prints instead of traveling. John Boydell made a name for himself by joining this nationalistic trend and publishing a long series of topographical engravings. These fine engravings are some of the earliest examples of Boydell's work when he was known more as an engraver than a publisher and printseller. This striking image is a wonderful view of Blenheim Palace, which remains a national treasure and one of BritAine most impressive buildings. The palace was presented by the nation to John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his victories over the French at Blenheim in 1704. The estate was built by Sir John Vanbrugh in a grandiose eclectic style, which demonstrated a return to national roots and is a wonderful example of eighteenth century English architecture. This beautiful view not only depicts this grand building but also shows the activities which occurred on a daily basis on the estate.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DZAAM64/?tag=2022091-20
(London: Published by John Boydell at the Globe near Durha...)
London: Published by John Boydell at the Globe near Durham Yard in the Strand, 1750. Engraving with hand-colour. Printed on watermarked laid paper. In excellent condition. Image size: 11 5/8 x 17 1/2 inches. Plate mark: 12 1/8 x 18 inches. Sheet size: 14 3/16 x 20 3/4 inches. A striking view of Reynard's Hall in Dove Dale, Derbyshire, from Boydell's series of plates "Collection of One Hundred Views in England and Wales."Towards the middle of the eighteenth century, a trend developed among English artists and printmakers who sought to record visually the natural beauty of England and Wales. Sparked by a sense of national confidence and patriotism, English printmakers began to publish topographical prints of the important sights in the British Isles. In addition to being a visual record of the countryside, they were meant to encourage public recognition of the beauty and history of England. They were aimed at English and foreign tourists who desired a memento of their travels, or at those armchair travellers who collected topographical prints instead of traveling. John Boydell made a name for himself by joining this nationalistic trend and publishing a long series of topographical engravings. These fine engravings are some of the earliest examples of Boydell's work when he was known more as an engraver than a publisher and print seller.John Boydell is one of the most influential figures in the history of English printmaking. He was not only an accomplished engraver and an industrious publisher, but also a talented print seller who came to dominate the English print trade. He is best known as the originator of the Shakespeare Gallery, which made him one of the most successful print sellers of his time. Le Blanc, Manuel de L'Amateur D'Estampes, p. 504, no 86; Clayton, The English Print 1688-1802, pp. 115-116 & 155.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DYZC7RW/?tag=2022091-20
John Boydell was born at Dorrington Lane, Shropshire, United Kingdom in 1719; the son of Josiah and Mary Boydell (née Milnes).
At the age of twenty-one Boyd came to London and was apprenticed for seven years to an engraver.
In 1746 Boydell published a volume of views in England and Wales, and started in business as a print-seller. By his good taste and liberality he managed to secure the services of the best artists, and his engravings were executed with such skill that his business became extensive and lucrative. He succeeded in his plan of a Shakespeare gallery, and obtained the assistance of the most eminent painters of the day, whose contributions were exhibited publicly for many years. The engravings from these paintings form a splendid companion volume to his large illustrated edition of Shakespeare's works. Towards the close of his life Boydell sustained severe losses through the French Revolution, and was compelled to dispose of his Shakespeare gallery by lottery. Boydell had previously become an alderman, and rose to be lord mayor of London.
(This impressive collection of engravings illustrating the...)
(London: Published by John Boydell, at the Unicorn the Cor...)
(London: Published by John Boydell Engraver at the Globe n...)
(London: Published by John Boydell, at the Unicorn the Cor...)
(London: Published by John Boydell at the Globe near Durha...)
(London: Published by John Boydell at the Globe near Durha...)
(London: Published by John Boydell at the Globe near Durha...)
(London: Published by J. Boydell, 1750. Hand-coloured engr...)
(London: Published by J. Boydell, 1751. Hand-coloured engr...)
He was a fellow of the Royal Society.