Category: British

Live life the Gothic Revival way. Various features at Strawberry Hill, home of Horace Walpole, taken from “A Description of the villa of Mr. Horace Walpole.” Written by Walpole in 1784 with illustrations by various artists and printed by Thomas Kirgate.

“Chimney Piece of the Holbein Chamber.” Page 42. Collections of and digitalized by the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/descriptionofvil00walp_0/page/42/mode/1up
“Screen of the Holbein Chamber.” Page 79. Collections of and digitalized by the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/descriptionofvil00walp_0/page/n78/mode/1up
“The Gallery.” Page 84. Collections of and digitalized by the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/descriptionofvil00walp_0/page/n84/mode/1up
“Chimney in the Round Room.” Page 93. Collections of and digitalized by the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/descriptionofvil00walp_0/page/n93/mode/1up
The Shell Bench. Page 133. Taken from A Description of the villa of Mr. Horace Walpole which was written by Walopole in 1784 with illustrations by various artists and printed by Thomas Kirgate. Collections of the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. https://archive.org/details/descriptionofvil00walp_0/page/n132/mode/1up

Live like the Prince Regent at least until supper time. Plates from W. H. Pyne’s work “The history of the royal residences of Windsor Castle, Saint James’s Palace, Carlton House, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court, Buckingham House, and Frogmore” which was published between 1816 and 1819. These being from Volume I of three.

“Ancient Kitchen, Windsor Castle.” Image 29. Collections of and digitalized by the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. via https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=gri.ark:/13960/t7qp2n24k&view=1up&seq=31
“Ancient Bell Tower, Windsor Castle.” Image 52. Collections of and digitalized by the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. via https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=gri.ark:/13960/t7qp2n24k&view=1up&seq=52
“Staircase, Windsor Castle.” Image 108. Collections of and digitalized by the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. via https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=gri.ark:/13960/t7qp2n24k&view=1up&seq=108
Hampton Court Palace. Image 6 from The history of the royal residences of Windsor Castle, Saint James’s Palace, Carlton House, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court, Buckingham House, and Frogmore. 1819. W. H. Pyne, author. Published in London, England. Collections of and digitalized by the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/gri_33125012272262/page/n5/mode/1up
The Chapel, Hampton Court. Image 16 from The history of the royal residences of Windsor Castle, Saint James’s Palace, Carlton House, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court, Buckingham House, and Frogmore. 1819. W. H. Pyne, author. Published in London, England. Collections of and digitalized by the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/gri_33125012272262/page/n15/mode/1up
Banqueting Hall, Hampton Court. Image 34 from The history of the royal residences of Windsor Castle, Saint James’s Palace, Carlton House, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court, Buckingham House, and Frogmore. 1819. W. H. Pyne, author. Published in London, England. Collections of and digitalized by the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/gri_33125012272262/page/n33/mode/1up
Grand Stair Case, Hampton Court. Image 50 from The history of the royal residences of Windsor Castle, Saint James’s Palace, Carlton House, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court, Buckingham House, and Frogmore. 1819. W. H. Pyne, author. Published in London, England. Collections of and digitalized by the Getty Research Institute. In the public domain due to age. via https://archive.org/details/gri_33125012272262/page/n50/mode/1up

Still lifes to calm up anyone’s pre-holiday existence. English. Sir William Nicholson, artist (1872-1949).

"The Lustre Bowl with Green Peas." 1911. Oil on canvas.
“The Lustre Bowl with Green Peas.” 1911. Oil on canvas. Photo credit: Antonia Reeve. © Desmond Banks. Image © the National Galleries of Scotland. Fair use license. via https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/43475/lustre-bowl-green-peas
"Mushrooms." 1940.
“Mushrooms.” 1940. Oil on canvas. © Desmond Banks. Image © Tate Gallery, London. Fair use license. via https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/nicholson-mushrooms-n05267
"Silver." 1938.
“Silver.” 1938. Oil on canvas. © Desmond Banks. Image © Tate Gallery, London. Fair use license. via https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/nicholson-silver-n04936
"The Silver Casket." 1920.
“The Silver Casket.” 1920. © Desmond Banks and the William Nicholson Trust. Fair use license. via https://twitter.com/TheWNTrust/status/990633310056480770/photo/1
The Glass Bowl. 1921. English. Sir William Nicholson, artist (1872-1949). In a private collection. Online in various places including Bridgeman but I found it here in Richard Morris’s Instagram account @ahistoryinarts https://www.instagram.com/ahistoryinarts/p/DS7vC8ljLY9/?hl=en

Egypt, close up enough to hear the camel bells as the caravan heads for the headwaters of the Nile. One of an island off Sinai. From “Egypt & Nubia From Drawings Made On The Spot,” a series of over 200 lithographs that was published in the 1840’s. Also one of the pyramids lithographed from an 1839 drawing by David Roberts and lithographed by Louis Haghe in 1842.

"The mosque of El Hakim and environs, Cairo." 1849.
“The mosque of El Hakim and environs, Cairo.” 1849. Colored lithograph. Louis Haghe, lithographer after a watercolor by David Roberts. Collection of the Wellcome Trust. Image from Wellcome Images, a website operated by Wellcome Trust. Cc0 License 4.0. via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coloured_lithograph_by_Louis_Haghe_after_David_Roberts,_1849_Wellcome_V0049360.jpg

"Temple at Philae, Egypt." 1840's.
“Temple at Philae, Egypt.” 1840’s. Colored lithograph. Louis Haghe, lithographer after a watercolor by David Roberts. Collection of the Wellcome Trust. Image from Wellcome Images, a website operated by Wellcome Trust. via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Temple_at_Philae,_Egypt._Tinted_lithograph_by_Louis_Haghe_af_Wellcome_V0049324.jpg

'Isle of Graia Gulf of Akabah Arabia Petraea." 1840's.
‘Isle of Graia Gulf of Akabah Arabia Petraea,” from “The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt and Nubia.” 1840’s. Retouched with smudges removed etc. Colored lithograph. Louis Haghe, lithographer after a watercolor by David Roberts. Collection of the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Digital ID # ppmsca.08343. http://www.LOC.gov. Retouched by Gerardm and Durova. In the public domain in the United States because the artists have been dead over 70 years. via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Isle_of_Graia3.jpg

"Temple of Dandour - Nubia." 1849.
“Temple of Dandour – Nubia.” 1849.  Colored lithograph. Louis Haghe, lithographer after a watercolor by David Roberts. Collection of the Wellcome Trust. Cc0 License 4.0. via https://wellcomecollection.org/works/z23btmt6

View of the Great Pyramids of Giza. British. Hand colored lithograph with the view having been drawn by David Roberts in 1839 and lithographed by Louis Haghe in 1842. Image © 2025 Geographicus Rare Antique Maps. Fair use license. via https://www.geographicus.com/P/AntiqueMap/PyramidsofGeezeh-roberts-1848

It is very possible that the View of the Great Pyramids of Giza added today is from the same collection as the other ones in this blog post. They would release the lithographs one by one over the course of a few years and then put together all or most of them as a portfolio or book to sell separately so hard to get an exact date on them. 1840s for sure.

Down to the river back before ships had engines. 18th century. British artist Samuel Scott (1701/2-1772).

"Pope's Villa, Twickenham." ca. 1759.
“Pope’s Villa, Twickenham.” ca. 1759. Oil on panel. Collection of the Yale Center for British Art, New Haven. In the public domain because the artist died over 70 years ago. via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Samuel_Scott_-_Pope%27s_Villa,_Twickenham_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg
"An Arch of Westminster Bridge." ca. 1750.
“An Arch of Westminster Bridge.” ca. 1750. Image © Tate Gallery, London. Fair use license. via https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/samuel-scott-480
"The Building of Westminster Bridge." 1750.
“The Building of Westminster Bridge.” 1750. Oil on canvas. Private collection. In the public domain in the United States because the artist has been dead over 70 years. via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Samuel_Scott_-_The_Building_of_Westminster_Bridge_-_WGA21089.jpg
A Sunset, with a View of Nine Elms. ca.1750-60. British. Samuel Scott, painter (ca. 1702-1772). Collections of the Tate Gallery, London. Cc0 License 3.0. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/scott-a-sunset-with-a-view-of-nine-elms-t01235

Novelty Edwardian pincushions in sterling silver. Two animals and a canoe for them to paddle away in. Also a few more new friends that were made by other silver firms. Made by Levi and Salaman in Birmingham, England.

Pig. 1904.
Pig. 1904. Image © Harrington & Company Vintage Luxury & Collectables, Woolloongabba. Fair use license. via http://www.hnco.com.au/rare-1904-levi-salaman-english-sterling-silver-pig-cushion/
Elephant with raised trunk, engraved "Bramble Hill" on one side. 1905.
Elephant with raised trunk, engraved “Bramble Hill” on one side. 1905. Image ©2019 LoveAntiques.com. Fair use license. via https://www.loveantiques.com/antique-silver/edwardian-(1901-1914)/edwardian-silver-pin-cushion-elephant-raised-trunk-levi-and-salaman-1905-59211
Hedgehog pin cushion. 1906.
Hedgehog pin cushion. 1906. Image ©2019 LoveAntiques.com. Fair use license. via https://www.loveantiques.com/antique-silver/silver-pin-cushions/adorable-antique-silver-hedgehog-pin-cushion-levi-and-salaman-birmingham-1906-163248
Canoe pincushion. 1905.
Canoe pincushion. 1905. Image © I.Franks 2019. Fair use license. via https://www.ifranks.com/item/j0823-silver-pincushions
Standing camel novelty silver pincushion. 1905. Edwardian. Made in Birmingham, England by Sydney and Company. Image © Toovey’s Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers. Fair use license. via https://www.tooveys.com/lots/528577/an-edwardian-silver-novelty-pincushion-in-the-form-of-a-standing-camel
Silver novelty pincushion in the form of an ornamental pheasant standing on an oval base. 1905. Edwardian. British, made in Chester by Sampson Mordan and Company, Ltd. Image © Toovey’s Antique and Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers. Fair use license. via https://www.tooveys.com/lots/528578/an-edwardian-silver-novelty-pincushion-in-the-form-of-an

Waterly worlds to sit on the table with fish that never need feeding. “Aquarium” oversized table lighters, carved, painted and assembled by Ben Shillingford for Dunhill. 1949-late 1950’s.

Table lighter. 1950's.
Table lighter. 1950’s. Lucite panels decorated with fish with chrome plated metal mounts. Cast retailer’s mark. Engraved with the registration number 737418. Image © 1stdibs, Inc. 2019. Fair use license. via https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/decorative-objects/sculptures/figurative-sculptures/1950s-dunhill-aquarium-oversized-table-lighter-made-england-chrome-lots-fish/id-f_12203863/
Deep blue water aquarium table lighter. Vintage.
Deep blue water aquarium table lighter. Vintage. Carved and painted lucite panels with gold plated metal mounts. Image © 2019 The Rake. Fair use license. via https://therake.com/rare-by-oulton-vintage-gold-plated-dunhill-deep-blue-water-aquarium-lighter.html
Aquarium table lighter with green water and silver colored fish. 1950's.
Aquarium table lighter with green water and silver colored fish. 1950’s. British. Carved and painted lucite with metal mounts. Image © 2019. Antique & Vintage Furniture Wimbledon. Fair use license. via https://www.wimbledon-furniture.co.uk/products/super-rare-1950s-original-dunhill-aquarium-table-lighter-hand-made-in-england/
Electroplated and Lucite “Aquarium” table lighter. Curved rectangular form, electroplated mounts and four Lucite panels, the lighter mechanism stamped “Dunhill”, the sides deeply engraved and painted to resemble a three dimensional tropical aquarium, one side featuring two exotic silver fish, the other an orange and silver striped fish, all swimming amongst water plants and rocks against a blue and green ground, with similar end panels. ca. 1950. Maker’s marks: the base stamped “Dunhill Lighter’ and ‘Made in England.” Image © Bonhams 2001-2023. Fair use license. via https://www.bonhams.com/auction/28269/lot/12/dunhill-an-electroplated-and-lucite-aquarium-table-lighter-circa-1950-base-incuse-stamped-dunhill-lighter-and-made-in-england/

Flower pictures from a couple centuries back. English. Robert John Thornton, botanist. Living from 1768 to 1837 he started out to be a physician but ended up publishing books about plants.

"Tulips." 1807.
“Tulips.” 1807. Plate from Thornton’s book ““The Temple of Flora.” Image source: Missouri Botanical Garden via Biodiversity Heritage Library. In the public domain. via https://publicdomainreview.org/product/tulips/
"A Group of Auriculas." 1799-1810.
“A Group of Auriculas.” 1799-1810. Image © 2019 Arader Galleries. Fair use license. via https://aradergalleries.com/products/robert-john-thornton-1768-1837-a-group-of-auriculas
Plate from "Temple Of Flora." 1811.
Plate from “Temple Of Flora.” 1811. Image © Aspire Auctions. Fair use license via https://www.aspireauctions.com/#!/catalog/307/1249/lot/41323
"The Blue Egyptian Water Lily."
“The Blue Egyptian Water Lily.” Plate from “Temple of Flora.” 1804. Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. In the public domain. via https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/395106

 

Tulips. 1798. Plate from Doctor Robert John Thornton’s The Temple of Flora.
Color aquatint, mezzotint, and stipple engraving with hand-coloring on wove paper. Image © Bonhams 2001-2022. Fair use license. via https://www.bonhams.com/auction/28116/lot/70/dr-robert-john-thornton-publisher-circa-1768-1837-tulips-from-the-temple-of-flora/

A Group of Carnations. 1803. Plate from Doctor Robert John Thornton’s The Temple of Flora.
Color aquatint, mezzotint, and stipple engraving with hand-coloring on wove paper. Image © Bonhams 2001-2022. Fair use license. via https://www.bonhams.com/auction/28116/lot/71/dr-robert-john-thornton-publisher-circa-1768-1837-a-group-of-carnations-from-the-temple-of-flora/

Coral tiaras for the queen of the sea. Various jewelers . . .all amazing. Mostly Cartier.

Bandeau tiara. 1922.
Bandeau tiara. 1922. Made in Paris. Platinum, gold, coral, rose-cut and round diamond, onyx, tortoise shell and black enamel. Cartier, maker. via the cultureconcept.com and http://diamondsandrhubarb.blogspot.com/2014/11/noble-coral.html

Tiara.
Tiara. Platinum, gold, coral, diamond and pearl. Cartier, maker. Image © CHRISTIE’S 2019. Fair use license. via https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/jewelry/an-exquisite-coral-diamond-and-pearl-tiara-6087344-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=6087344&sid=26ff61b1-c7ea-484b-

Tiara. 1860-1870.
Tiara. 1860-1870. Gilt metal and coral. Philips Brothers, London, maker. Image © The Victoria and Albert Museum, London. Fair use license. via http://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2016/01/jewel-history-tiara-has-become-social.html

Paintings of an old England that isn’t coming back. British. Samuel Palmer, artist. Living from 1805 to 1881, he was part of the Romanticism movement.

"Harvest Moon." 19th c.
“Harvest Moon.” 19th c. In the public domain in the United States because the artist has been dead over 70 years. via http://www.gatehousepress.com/2013/05/samuel-palmers-valley-of-vision/

The Magic Apple Tree, by Samuel Palmer
“The Magic Apple Tree.” ca. 1830. Pen and India ink with watercolor mixed with a gum like medium in paper. © The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Fair use license. via https://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/collections/drawingsandwatercolours/12193

Landscape. No date.
Landscape. No date. In the public domain in the United States because the artist died over 70 years ago. Photo credit: Martin Beek. via http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/palmer_samuel.html

"Old England's Sunday Evening." ca. 1874.
“Old England’s Sunday Evening.” ca. 1874. Watercolor over pencil heightened with body color. Image © 2019 Sotheby’s. Fair use license. via http://www.sothebys.com/es/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/british-irish-art-l13133/lot.13.html