Simpson, William.

Estimate

5,000 - 7,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

The Seat of the War in the East. London: Paul & Dominic Colnaghi & Co., 1855-1856, 2 volumes in one, folio (562 x 385mm.), lithographed pictorial titles and 79 plates, all coloured by hand, plain lithographed dedication in vol.1, 14 (of 16) outlline 'key' plates in volume 2, those to volume 1 bound separately (see description below and footnote), extra-illustrated with 4 additional plates at end (see footnote for details) and with the insertion of 12 printed pages (370 x 235mm.) "Messrs. Paul and Dominic Colnaghi and Co... beg to direct attention to the following letters", lacking list of plates in vol.2, lacking 2 'key' plates in volume 2 (opposite plates 22 and 24), some spotting, occasionally heavy
paper

Brackenbury, George. Descriptive Sketches, illustrating Mr. William Simpson's Drawings of the Seat of the War in the East. First Series. London: Paul and Dominic Colnaghi & Co., 1855, 4to (282 x 216mm.), half-title, 10 outline 'key' plates, each with 2 views, a few leaves spotted

3 volumes bound as 2, uniform half vellum gilt (varying sizes) by Birdsall, top edges gilt

Literature

Abbey, Travel 237; cf. Atabey 146 (reduced version)

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

"These plates are indeed an impressive piece of work, not only artistically and technically, but also as pictorial reporting. Simpson must in this way rank as an early war correspondent" (Abbey).

This set has the first issue of volume one, which "had the keys and text supplied separately in a small 4to volume with the title Descriptive Sketches... by George Brackenbury. 1855. In this volume there are ten keys" (Abbey).

The additional plates bound at the end of volume 2 are:
1. A Birds-eye view of part of the S.W. coast of the Crimea taken from the large Russian survey and sketches on the spot, by N. Whittock (lithograph by Edmund Walker, pub. Lloyd Bros., 28 Oct. 1854)
2. Sevastopol from above the Telegraph Battery, projected from the Russian government's survey and sketches by Col. Beek (lithograph by Maclure, pub. Tegg)
3. The Crimean Army Fund station at Kadi-koi (lithographed by R.M. Bryson, pub. Colnaghi, 7 May 1855)
4. Spring in the Crimea (chromolithograph) - this plate, is not listed by Abbey, but does occasionally seem to be included in coloured copies of this work (cf. sales in these rooms, 11 Oct. 2005, lot 265, and 15 Dec. 1999, lot 524)