Glasgow and the River Clyde, Engraving Published by Thomas Kelly, London, 1817

About this sheet

This engraving shows Glasgow seen across the River Clyde in the years after Waterloo, and is lettered "Glasgow." beneath the image with the imprint "London: Pubd. by Thomas Kelly, Paternoster Row, April 19th 1817."

The view looks over the river to the city, with a long bridge of many arches spanning the water and a second bridge in the distance to the right. Sailing vessels lie moored along the quay on the left, and beyond them the skyline is crowded with spires, towers and chimneys. A tall conical kiln sends a plume of smoke into the sky, a reminder of the glassworks and industries that were turning Glasgow into one of the great manufacturing towns of Britain.

The foreground is full of life. A couple stroll arm in arm at the left, a boy rides a donkey followed by a dog, a horseman struggles with a rearing horse and a large covered wagon rolls along the road toward the town, while barrels stand stacked at the right beside a tall building at the edge of the river.

Thomas Kelly of Paternoster Row was one of the most successful London publishers of books issued in weekly parts, and he illustrated his histories and geographies with small engraved plates such as this one, each dated in the imprint. The engraver is not named. The print is in black only and was never colored, so the fine engraved lines can be seen in full.

For collectors of Scottish views, this is an appealing early image of Glasgow and its river before the great Victorian rebuilding of the waterfront. It would be a fitting gift for anyone with a Glasgow connection, and it looks well framed in a hallway, office or study, or alongside other city views of the period.

Condition: Good condition for its age. Toning, spots in the upper margin, a brown spot in the lower margin below the image and light soiling to the edges. Please review the images for further condition details.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.