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Engravings 2
Most books had views of places or of things like animals and plants. However the illustrated newspapers are the only source of images of events as they occurred, like the opening of an important new building or the American Civil War.
Most antique engravings were printed with black ink, but they can look far better if they are hand tinted with artist watercolour. Many of the local views we have in stock have been hand tinted after the paper has been cleaned and resized (sealing coat to stop the paper behaving like blotting paper).
Battle of Bull Run 9”x6” wood block ILN 1861
Within the category of engravings is the important section relating to maps. Man has always liked to know where he is and how to get somewhere else.
Maps and sea charts extend over about 5 centuries, however most over 200 years old are very difficult to find and very expensive.
The first large scale maps of Kent were produced by Edward Hasted of the Hundreds. This map is of the Hundreds of Hoo and of Chatham and Gillingham. These copper engraved maps were produced between 1778 and 1801. Most customers prefer to have these maps handcoloured, as they are easier to read.
Today all maps are drawn to be purely functional as this increases the clarity of the information. Early county maps also included other information like important family crests and frequently had views of prominent places.
The photo on the right is probably the finest and last decorative map of Kent. It shows Thomas Moule's map and this was produced in 1838. The clarity of all maps improve when handcoloured.
Hundreds of Hoo and of Chatham and Gillingham
18½"x14" copper eng c1780
Kent by Thomas Moule 10¼"x8" steel eng 1838