On offer: an original (i.e. not a later reproduction) antique print "Market Cross, at Cheddar, Somersetshire."

DATE PRINTED: 1806, dated on the print.

SIZE: The printed area including the titles is 20 x 16.5 cm (8 x 6.5 inches) plus margins (medium).

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Etched by John Smith from a drawing by William Alexander.  William Alexander (10 April 1767 – 23 July 1816) was an English painter, illustrator and engraver. The hallmarks of his work, usually executed in watercolours, were clearness and harmony of colour, simplicity and taste in composition, grace of outline, and delicacy of execution. He accompanied the Macartney Embassy to China in 1792.

PROVENANCE: This print was published in "The Architectural Antiquities of Great Britain...by John Britton" published by Longman & Co, Paternoster Row and J Taylor High Holborn London. John Britton FSA (1771–1857) was an English antiquary, author and editor. After some slight successes as a writer, a Salisbury publisher commissioned him to compile an account of Wiltshire and, in conjunction with his friend Edward Wedlake Brayley, Britton produced The Beauties of Wiltshire (1801; 2 vols., a third added in 1825), the first of the series The Beauties of England and Wales, nine volumes of which Britton and his friend wrote. Britton was the originator of a new class of literary works. "Before his time", says Digby Wyatt, "popular topography was unknown." In 1805 Britton published the first part of his Architectural Antiquities of Great Britain (9 vols., 1805–1814); and this was followed by Cathedral Antiquities of England.

TYPE: Antique copper plate etching printed on paper.

VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is blank.

CONDITION: Good, suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian paper is subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not significant unless otherwise stated.  

AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic antique print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy.  The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique.

RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition.

POSTAGE / SHIPPING COSTS: I only charge postage for the first print ordered. There is no additional postage charge if you order more than one print. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:  Cheddar Market Cross in the village of Cheddar within the English county of Somerset, England dates from the 15th century. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and Grade II* listed building. The stone cross, used to mark the village's market square, has a central octagonal pier surrounded by a hexagonal shelter. It has been restored and rebuilt several times, including twice since 2000 when it has been damaged in traffic accidents.

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