Views on the Thames…

London: Henry J. Alfred, 1857. Six Fine Hand Colored Views of The River Thames

ALFRED, Henry J. Views on the Thames… Marlow Weir, Near Marlow Bridge, Bisham Abbey,Temple Lock, Hurley, Harleyford. London: Henry J. Alfred, 1857.

First edition. Oblong folio (13 1/2 x 20 inches; 343 x 508 mm.). Six fine hand colored plates by H.J. Alfred, lithographed by M & N Hanhart, all with tissue guards. Plate image size 7 3/4 x 11 5/8 inches; 197 x 295 mm.

Early-to-mid twentieth century three quarter blue calf over marbled boards ruled in blind. Smooth spine with maroon morocco label horizontally lettered in gilt. Publisher's printed (truncated) tan wrappers bound in. Some occasional light spotting/soiling to blank margins only, last plate with marginal crease, rear blank wrapper with neat repair at top.
Still a near fine example.

This scarce and charming work depicts a series of views of the upper reaches of the River Thames at a time when boating was becoming increasingly popular as a means of escaping into the countryside, away from the ever-growing urban development and industrialization. During this period, the demand for riverside properties also saw a significant increase.

Abbey's copy lists the lithographs as being tinted. We are fairly confident that the coloring in our copy was done either at publication or at an early date.

Rare: OCLC/KVK locate no copies in libraries and institutions worldwide.

We have not been unable to locate any other copies at auction but we did find a record of one other copy in a 1950 Maggs of London catalog.

The Plates:

1. Marlow Weir
2. Near Marlow Bridge
3. Bisham Abbey
4. Temple Lock
5. Hurley
6. Harleyford

Abbey, Scenery 437; Bobins III, 830. (Inventory #: 05805)