It was due to the development of the aquatint process in etching that Paul Sandby returned to printmaking at the beginning of the 1770's. His enthusiasm was such that for a considerable period he did nothing else, resulting in the publication of 24 views in Wales amongst many other works in aquatint. Writing to his friend John Clerk in September 1775, '........ these 4 month past I have scarcely done anything else, the work is so delightful and easy to me now in the execution I do it with the same ease but with more pleasure than on paper'.
Offered here are 5 loose prints from a set, views of Wales from this same period; Conway, The iron Forge between Dolgelli and Barmouth, Harlech Castle, Pengwern and River Conway'. Aquatints, printed in brown ink, all in excellent condition and with decent margins, (the printed sheets being untrimmed, circa 15 inches x 11 inches).
Published by P.Sandby, St George's Row, London 1776, these romantic views of North Wales did a great deal to establish a tour of the country as a fashionable trip for Georgian seekers of the sublime.
plate:12.25 in x 9.25 in
Item Code: 4327
£ 1400
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