Views of Landsdown Tower

MADDOX, Willes.  VIEWS OF LANDSDOWN TOWER, BATH.

London: Edmund English, and others, 1844. Folio. Contemporary black half-morocco, satin covers. (vi), 10 pages, 12 plates. First edition. [Abbey, 420.]

This is an incredibly lush color-printed celetration of William Beckford's residence in Bath.  Maddox (1813-1853) executed this work as a favor to his early patron.  He was at the time a renowned portrait painter.  The chromolithographic illustrations (heavily retouched by hand) show mostly interior views: the staircase, the vestibule, two drawing rooms, and various pieces of art and furniture.  They represent the leading aesthetic decorations of the day.  In addition there are six tinted, in-text lithographs of grounds buildings, including Beckworth's tomb.  This was Henry-Russell Hitchcock's copy.  Tips repaired and some minor cover wear, but a very nice copy of a lavish production on one of the most impressive buildings and art collections in Victorian England.

$4,250.00