W. H. Bartlett, Arch of Septimus, Rome, poss. 1834, watercolour, ink, and pencil on paper. Gift of Alexander M. Ross, BA Hons 1940, MA 1948, 2000 (43-047)
Exhibitions
Mr Bartlett: Illustrator
Frances K. Smith Gallery
9 January - 31 July 2005
In Britain and continental Europe, the 19th century saw the rise of an affluent, educated middle class with a great curiosity about the world. The occupations of tourist and 'armchair tourist', as well as travel writer and illustrator, flourished. One of the most popular travel illustrators of this period was William Henry Bartlett (1809-1854), who produced some 28 travel books, written by him and others. While his most enduring books are American Scenery Illustrated (1839) and Canadian Scenery Illustrated (1842), he also illustrated books on Switzerland, the Middle East, Germany, Italy, Scotland, and other picturesque locations.
The Art Centre is fortunate to have a wide-ranging selection of Bartlett's images. These include original watercolours done on site in such countries as Germany, Italy, and Spain; brown-wash paintings prepared specifically for the engravers who interpreted his work for publication; and engravings, which were the end product of the illustrator's art. Alexander M. Ross, author of the only recent study of William Henry Bartlett's art, donated many of these works, which were on display at the Art Centre for the first time.
Dorothy Farr