Views of 18th Century England - Bisham Abbey Berkshire Antique Print

All around us are buildings that are historic and of local importance.  Buildings may hold special historic interest because of a particular historical event or period, or they may be associated with nationally important people.  England's historic churches, abbeys and monastery's are in this group and remain popular as places to visit and for antique print collectors.

Bisham Abbey in the English county of Berkshire was once known as Bustlesham or Bysham Monastery which once stood alongside.  The original Bisham Abbey was previously named Bisham Priory, and was the traditional resting place of many Earls of Salisbury.

This 18th century view was published in "The Antiquities of England and Wales" Published by Alexander Hogg, London: No 16 Paternoster-Row 1795.  First published in parts as - Historical descriptions of new and elegant picturesque views of the antiquities of England and Wales.

HOW TO IDENTIFY:
These prints are copper engraved on 'hand laid' paper.  This process involved a slurry being made from linen and cotton rags and each sheet of paper being made by hand. The slurry was spread over a handmade wire screen mold.  This kind of paper has a very distinct appearance and is identified by the visible lines seen in the paper when held up to bright light.  Often this can be seen even without such a light.  You can actually feel the lines and slight roughness when you touch  this kind of paper. 

The prints have an engraved image area of approx 7.5" x 5.25" (190mm x 135mm) and you should be able to see a clear plate mark surrounding the image and text. This print has later hand colour.  When first published the prints were  issued without colour.

​Happy hunting . . .

You can see this and more examples of 18th century views of England in my etsy shop HERE