Bidspirit auction | Shepherd's London - Volume with

Shepherd's London - Volume with 81 Hand-colored Engravings & 1 Plan - This lovely volume with 81 originally hand-colored steel engraving is Thomas Hosmer Shepherd's Metropolitan improvements; or London in the nineteenth century. With historical, topographical, and critical illustrations . The work was published by Jones & Co. in 1828. The work is bound in contemporary red Morocco with rich gilt decoration and gilt edges. The illustrations of London were done by James Elmes. This is one of the few copies with original hand-coloring. There are 81 steel engraved plates with color and 1 engraved plan as well as title page with colored vignette. ”The development of Regent Street and Regent's Park according to John Nash's plans is described in the greatest detail, representing one of the most magnificent urban planning projects of the early nineteenth century and a precursor to the garden city of the twentieth century. The individual villas within the park are also described and depicted in detail... The numerous illustrations of Regent Street are particularly important as visual material for architectural history, providing a good impression of the former splendor of Nash's 'via triumphalis.'” (Fischer) Provenance: North German private collection Paper Size: ~ 11” by 8 5/8” Paper Type or Special Features: Volume with 81 Hand-colored Engravings & 1 Plan