A General View of London and Westminster.

£7,500 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

the most important panorama of London of its period The magnificent grand panorama of London. Samuel Buck and his brother Nathaniel are among the finest topographical artists to have worked in England. From 1720 onwards, first Samuel and then the two brothers toured England, drawing views of the cities and towns, castles, antiquities (particularly ruined monasteries) and other landmarks. They financed publication of this bold project by soliciting advance subscriptions. The crowning achievement of their long career, the most ambitious single view they had undertaken, is this highly important prospect of London taken from the River Thames drawn from five vantage points, and then blended into one continuous panorama, extending from Westminster Bridge downstream to London Bridge and the Tower of London. The subscription, originally conceived on four sheets, was announced thus, "London, Feb. 1746.... No. 1. Garden-Court, Middle-Temple. Mess. S. and N. Buck, beg leave to inform those Gentlemen that have favour'd them with their Subscriptions... that for the next Set they propose to publish, viz. four Prospects of the Cities of London and Westminster... Though the Prospects of London, c. will take much more Time in performing than any of the former Sets, the Subscription will be no more than the former Price, that is, 5s. paid at the Time of Subscribing, and 10s. upon Delivery." - in modern price 25 pence in advanced and fifty pence on delivery! (London Evening Post, 13th - 15th 17

• Binding: Hardcover

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