Westminster Abbey Interior Prepared for a Royal Coronation – Hand-Colored, 1720

Religion · 18th century

Westminster Abbey Interior Prepared for a Royal Coronation – Hand-Colored, 1720

€ 290

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1720
Mapmaker / artist: Published by William Wolley, London, early 18th century
Technique: Hand-colored engraving
Sheet size: 42.9 × 31.7 cm (16.9 × 12.5 in)
Reference: BG-14010-5A

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Very good with strong hand-coloring. Slight overall age toning to the sheet; small handling marks in margins; platemark clear and paper stable.

About this sheet

A Prospect of the Inside of St Peter’s in Westminster – Coronation Preparations, c. 1720 – Hand-Colored Engraving

Hand-colored engraving showing the interior of the Collegiate Church of St Peter in Westminster (Westminster Abbey) from the choir to the east end, prepared for the coronation of a British monarch. The view captures the altar, theater, thrones, pulpit, and seating galleries arranged before the grand procession entered. Figures are shown seated in the galleries along both sides, with heraldic banners adding color against the intricate Gothic architecture.

The title inscription above the image reads in full: “A Prospect of the Inside of the Collegiate Church of St Peter in Westminster… shewing the Position of the Altar, Theatre, Chairs, Pulpit, Benches, Seats and Galleries – The whole taken from Sandart.” The detailed key below identifies features such as the High Altar, King Edward’s Chair, and the King’s Throne. Published in London by William Wolley, likely early 18th century, this engraving served as both a record and guide for viewers and participants in the ceremony.

Framing tips: This print’s architectural lines and detailed inscriptions are best shown with a simple black or dark wood frame and a neutral ivory mount, keeping the full margins visible to retain the title and key.