
audiobook
Transcriber’s Note:
This volume gathers a curated selection of early drawings and watercolours that capture London’s streets, bridges, and landmarks as they appeared centuries ago. Contributions from artists such as Canaletto, Thomas Sandby, and J.M.W. Turner sit alongside works by lesser‑known hands, each plate annotated with its source and lending institution. The catalogue was assembled for a 1920 Burlington Fine Arts Club exhibition, reflecting the period’s dedication to art history. Listeners will hear a vivid portrait of a city in transition, rendered with the precision of eighteenth‑century eyes.
Beyond the iconic views of Westminster Bridge and the old London Bridge, the collection includes intimate interior scenes—such as the Royal Exchange and historic churches—offering clues to everyday life. A small section presents contemporary furniture sketches, illustrating the decorative tastes that accompanied the urban landscape. Notes on attribution, occasional spelling quirks, and provenance give listeners insight into the care behind the catalogue. The plates form a visual time‑capsule that invites anyone interested in art, architecture, or London’s past to explore the city’s layered history.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (121K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United Kingdom: Privately Printed by the Chiswick Press, 1920.
Credits
Melissa McDaniel and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2022-09-14
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
A Victorian-era London club for collectors and art lovers, it became known for serious scholarship as well as sociable conversation. Its beautifully produced exhibition catalogues helped shape how decorative arts and old master works were studied and appreciated.
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