This wonderful print called “Portchester” is from a 1926 version of the book “Hampshire” written by Telford Varley and primarily illustrated with paintings by Wilfrid Ball (1853 -1917). The paintings were originally created for the first edition that was published in 1909 and was so popular that the second edition was published in 1926. Ball’s early career was spent working as an accountant but in his spare time he was studying at the Heatherley School of Art and by 1877 was exhibiting his art. For the next two decades he painted landscapes and marine subjects and exhibited widely at the Royal Academy but it was the original publication of Hampshire in 1909 that brought his paintings to a much wider audience and significantly enhanced his popularity. He died of heat exhaustion in Khartoum, India during WWI.
The print definition and quality are typical of that time period, lacking much of the sharp clarity that is available today with offset printing but adds timeless charm to this beautiful print. The soft muted colors offer a glimpse into art created at the turn of the century and the actual scene depicted in the painting is of a time in England’s past that will never be seen again. “Portchester – the Roman Portus Magnus – has been from earliest times a settlement and ‘war port’ at the head of Portsmouth Harbour.” It is easy to see why many of Ball’s paintings were used, and still are, on postcards and greeting cards.
There is slight uniform yellowing of the paper around the actual image (both from age and also the tissue paper used to cover the image) as well as some slight wear at the page edges in line with what you would expect of a print that is 80+ years old. The rough edge from the binding has been removed but that is the only "altering" that has taken place (the interior edge is trimmed). Prints are carefully mounted on mats to simplify framing after purchase and to protect the print during display/shipment. All mat materials are acid and lignin free, the actual print is not archival safe. The original book measured approximately 8 x 5-1/4” but the book plate is being sold custom matted to fit in an 8x10 standard frame.
Collectible book illustrations are always the perfect decorating choice for any room in your home or office. They also make great gifts for any occasion as they are always charming, unique and unusual. Browse our store for other collectible illustrations in this series to complete a matching wall grouping or for other areas of interest.
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