London Towards the Close of the 19th Century
Eye-catching bird’s eye view of London published as a promotional item for a popular menswear company.
Out of stock
Description
Purporting to depict London “towards the close of the 19th century,” this colorful view of the British capital was first drawn by the Bartholomew family in 1892. In 1897, the men’s clothing firm of Charles Baker & Co. purchased a quantity for publication as promotional material, with additional text at the bottom of the sheet and fantastic contemporary advertisements on the verso.
The image presents London from Victoria Station and Parliament to the London Docks from an angled perspective, with prominent buildings and landmarks heightened with darker ink. Otherwise, the obscure illustrations add an element of chaos and movement – certainly an appropriate style for late 19th century London.
The verso, apart from the aforementioned advertisements, also contains a street map of London, a list of places of historical interest, and several views of the prominent branches of Charles Baker & Co.
Map Details
Publication Date: c. 1897
Author: Chas. Baker & Co.
Sheet Width (in): 28.40
Sheet Height (in): 15.60
Condition: B+
Condition Description: Creasing and wear along originally issued fold lines, including separation at fold intersections and along the outer edges. Several areas have been repaired and reinforced with archival tape on the verso. Faint discoloration on the verso does not affect the image. Remains in good to very good condition overall.
Out of stock