Glasgow and the River Clyde, Georgian City View, Antique Engraving, circa 1817

About this sheet

This antique engraving of Glasgow is an original early nineteenth century view of the Scottish city seen across the River Clyde, published in London by Thomas Kelly and dated, as far as the faint imprint can be read, 1817. The plate is lettered simply "Glasgow".

The composition looks across the water to the city, with a long bridge of many arches spanning the river, sailing vessels at their moorings and the skyline of spires and chimneys beyond. A tall glassworks cone sends up a plume of smoke, a reminder of the industries that were making Glasgow one of the most important manufacturing towns in Britain. On the near bank the engraver has added a cart, a rider on a donkey and a rearing horse, which give the scene a lively foreground.

The imprint reads "London, Pubd by Thomas Kelly, Paternoster Row", followed by a date that appears to be April 1817, although the day and year are not entirely clear in this impression, so the plate is best described as circa 1817. Kelly issued many histories and geographies in parts, each illustrated with small copper plates such as this one. The engraver is not named. The print is a line engraving in black and is uncoloured.

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

The sheet is in good condition for its age, with toning, a few spots in the upper and lower margins and light edge soiling; the image itself is clean and strong.

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.