Birds · 18th century
€ 390
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good antique condition with even age toning and light scattered foxing. The impression remains clear, with strong linework and attractive original hand-coloring. Margins with a a few small tears.
St Thomas’s Hospital London – 18thC Bird’s-Eye View Engraving, Toms
A finely detailed mid-18th century copper engraving depicting St Thomas’s Hospital in Southwark, London, engraved by William Henry Toms and published in one of the great topographical surveys of the city, most notably William Maitland’s History and Survey of London (circa 1739–1755). This elegant bird’s-eye view offers a rare and historically important glimpse of the hospital complex prior to its relocation in the 19th century.
The composition looks across the orderly courtyards of the hospital, rebuilt between 1680 and 1702 following fire damage. The architectural layout is clearly defined: three structured courtyards framed by classical façades, with a central entrance pavilion adorned with sculptural and heraldic elements. Small staffage figures animate the foreground—patients, physicians, and visitors—adding both scale and narrative charm to the scene.
Beyond the hospital walls, the dense rooftops of 18th-century London stretch toward the horizon, creating a rich urban panorama. The subtle original hand-coloring enhances the composition, bringing warmth to the façades and a soft green tone to the courtyards, while maintaining the clarity of the engraved linework.
This print belongs to the long tradition of London topographical views, produced for an expanding audience of collectors, scholars, and visitors eager to document and celebrate the city’s architecture and institutions. Works by Toms are appreciated for their precision and decorative appeal, combining documentary accuracy with refined graphic quality.
Condition: Good antique condition with even age toning and light scattered foxing. The impression remains clear, with strong linework and attractive original hand-coloring. Margins with a a few small tears.
Framing tips: Ideal for a classic interior, this print pairs beautifully with a soft cream mount and a gilt or dark wood frame. The gentle color palette makes it suitable for both traditional and contemporary settings.
Technique: Copper engraving with original hand-coloring
Maker: William Henry Toms, United Kingdom, circa 1740–1755
