This auction is for a most interesting and rare very old framed etching of two ancient pubs in St. Albans that was given to me many years ago by a friend who lived in St. Albans.  The Picture is titled " The Old Jolly Maltster & Post Boy Taverns - Holywell Hill St. Albans - Sketched Aug 15 1898 ".   

This Etching is by the Noted Nineteenth Century Artist Holmes Winter from his series of drawings " The Last of Old St. Albans " . Holmes Edwin Cornelius Winter (1851-1935) trained at the Norwich School of Art and moved to St Albans in around 1880 to draw, paint and teach. 

He was well known for his conservation efforts in St Albans.and sketched many of the old buildings which he hoped would alert everyone to the risks the cities lovely old buildings faced, and from the drawings he produced a limited edition of 100 etchings called ‘The Last of Old St Albans’.

Interestingly some of these works were the subject of a recent exhibition "Holmes Winter – The Last of Old St. Albans" that took place during August 2024 at St. Albans Cathedral.

The Right hand Corner of the Etching is hand numbered with what looks like " No. 18 " and initialed HW by the artist .. 

The etching is very old and appears to have been in its frame for a century or so.  I have tried but I cant find another image exactly the same as this - although two similar etchings from the "Last of Old St. Albans" series of different buildings are in St.Albans Museum.  .. 

The Etching is very old - I have not removed it from the frame - it looks to have some foxing and signs of age but doesn't seem in bad condition considering its age..  The frame is very old and is somewhat distressed with wear to the frames finish etc - the pins holding in the picture are old and rusty - the frame is glazed with glass..  

To give an idea of size the frame measures approx. 16" x 12" (41cm x 28cm ) - and I estimate the print itself to measure approx. 15" x 10.5" (38cm x 27cm). 

A lovely rare item of Old St. Albans History..