1822 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This print is an etching. In etching, the design is marked out by drawing with an etching needle into a thin waxy layer - known as 'the ground' - coating a metal printing plate. The channels drawn into the wax expose the metal beneath. The waxed plate is then dipped in acid, which eats into ('etches') the metal not protected by 'the ground', and so creates the grooves that hold the ink from which the image is to be printed.
People
Until its sale in 1822, Fonthill Abbey was the home of William Beckford (1760-1844), the celebrated author and collector. He was immensely wealthy and enjoyed a life-long passion for collecting. Much of the contents of Fonthill Abbey were specially designed to suit the Abbey's neo-Gothic style.
Subject Depicted
This print depicts Fonthill Abbey, Wiltshire, designed for William Beckford. Beckford employed the architect James Wyatt (1746-1813) to create a Gothic residence in the form of an abbey. Construction began in 1796, but plans for the building continually altered and became more and more ambitious. The Abbey was never completed. Its structure was unstable, especially the extremely tall tower, which fell down twice and had to be rebuilt. Building work ceased in 1818 and Beckford sold Fonthill Abbey four years later. After the tower collapsed again in 1825, most of the building was demolished. The remaining sections were greatly expanded later in the 19th century.
This print is an etching. In etching, the design is marked out by drawing with an etching needle into a thin waxy layer - known as 'the ground' - coating a metal printing plate. The channels drawn into the wax expose the metal beneath. The waxed plate is then dipped in acid, which eats into ('etches') the metal not protected by 'the ground', and so creates the grooves that hold the ink from which the image is to be printed.
People
Until its sale in 1822, Fonthill Abbey was the home of William Beckford (1760-1844), the celebrated author and collector. He was immensely wealthy and enjoyed a life-long passion for collecting. Much of the contents of Fonthill Abbey were specially designed to suit the Abbey's neo-Gothic style.
Subject Depicted
This print depicts Fonthill Abbey, Wiltshire, designed for William Beckford. Beckford employed the architect James Wyatt (1746-1813) to create a Gothic residence in the form of an abbey. Construction began in 1796, but plans for the building continually altered and became more and more ambitious. The Abbey was never completed. Its structure was unstable, especially the extremely tall tower, which fell down twice and had to be rebuilt. Building work ceased in 1818 and Beckford sold Fonthill Abbey four years later. After the tower collapsed again in 1825, most of the building was demolished. The remaining sections were greatly expanded later in the 19th century.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Etching, ink on paper |
| Brief description | View of Fonthill Abbey from the South East |
| Physical description | Although lettering says engraved it is an etching. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Signed 'Drawn & Engraved by J.Storer'. Lettered with title and 'Publish'd by W.Clarke, New Bond St. May 1. 1812' |
| Object history | The year this view was published, William Beckford's fortune had grown spectacularly through a dramatic rise in sugar prices. He embarked on an ambitious extension to his house, Fonthill Abbey, despite his avowal that he was 'building gently and, oh! so slowly, and with all the economy of a father guardian of the poorest of monasteries'. |
| Summary | Object Type This print is an etching. In etching, the design is marked out by drawing with an etching needle into a thin waxy layer - known as 'the ground' - coating a metal printing plate. The channels drawn into the wax expose the metal beneath. The waxed plate is then dipped in acid, which eats into ('etches') the metal not protected by 'the ground', and so creates the grooves that hold the ink from which the image is to be printed. People Until its sale in 1822, Fonthill Abbey was the home of William Beckford (1760-1844), the celebrated author and collector. He was immensely wealthy and enjoyed a life-long passion for collecting. Much of the contents of Fonthill Abbey were specially designed to suit the Abbey's neo-Gothic style. Subject Depicted This print depicts Fonthill Abbey, Wiltshire, designed for William Beckford. Beckford employed the architect James Wyatt (1746-1813) to create a Gothic residence in the form of an abbey. Construction began in 1796, but plans for the building continually altered and became more and more ambitious. The Abbey was never completed. Its structure was unstable, especially the extremely tall tower, which fell down twice and had to be rebuilt. Building work ceased in 1818 and Beckford sold Fonthill Abbey four years later. After the tower collapsed again in 1825, most of the building was demolished. The remaining sections were greatly expanded later in the 19th century. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 29635:417 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | May 23, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
