Lot 626 , Thomas Malton the Younger (1748-1804) A perspective view of the design for a cast iron bridge ... to supply the place of the present Lo

Thomas Malton the Younger (1748-1804)
coloured aquatint
A perspective view of the design for a cast iron bridge ... to supply the place of the present London Bridge engraved by Lowry, publ. by Ackermann 1801
28 x 52.5in., unmounted
Estimate £600-800

Unmounted example that is loosely rolled up (and has been for many years).
Has full margins but rather tatty at the extremities of the paper along with browning to the paper at the left and right edges and across the top edge of the margin.
Colouring looks good. Overall paper is a little discoloured with dirt specking and some light foxing.
Some fairly soft crease lines running vertically up the print.
No signs of any tears or holes.
Overall this is an intact example that will need professional cleaning but should restore to good effect.

In 1799 a competition was held in order to decide on a replacement design for the old London Bridge; at this point the bridge was over 600 years old. The current work illustrates Thomas Telford's (1757-1834) proposal, which was for a single iron arch to cover the entire 180m section.
Telford won the 1801 competition but they lost their nerve at the unprecedented span (600ft) when the most that was ever achieved in cast iron was 240ft. John Rennie designed the new bridge (no competition) nearly 20 years later. It was opened in 1821.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £1,000