A superb early 19th-century aquatint view of Burnell Castle, Shropshire, presented in a substantial antique gilt frame.
The composition depicts Burnell Castle near Acton Burnell, viewed across a picturesque landscape with the castle dominating the middle distance, mature trees framing the scene, figures beside the water and finely rendered architectural and landscape detail.
An example of this composition is recorded as:
Title: Burnell Castle Shropshire
Artist/Author: Anonymous
Publisher: J. Deeley, Berwick Street, Soho, London
Publication date: 8 August 1811
Technique: Aquatint
Recorded sheet size: approximately 12 3/16 × 16 inches
This places the work firmly within the Georgian period and makes it over 200 years old.
The print has particularly attractive warm colouring, with rich sepia, ochre, green and brown tones. Compared with many surviving impressions of early aquatints, it remains highly decorative and displays beautifully behind glass.
Antique Frame
A particularly interesting feature is the substantial gilt and composition frame, which has an old trade label verso reading:
Arthur H. Staples
Fine Art Publisher & Printseller
Carver, Gilder and Picture Frame Manufacturer
201 Kilburn High Road, London N.W.
Works – Brondesbury Mews
The ornate frame features a broad gilt inner moulding surrounded by raised scrolling foliate decoration. It has considerable age and character and complements the Georgian subject extremely well.
Please note that the frame has age-related wear and losses, including areas of missing moulded decoration at the corners/edges, surface marks, spotting and general wear to the gilding. These are clearly shown in the photographs and form part of the antique character of the piece.
Condition
Antique condition throughout.
The aquatint shows toning, discolouration, spotting/foxing and other age-related marks, consistent with a paper work dating from the early 1800s. There are also reflections visible in some photographs from the glazing.
The frame shows wear, chips and losses as mentioned above. The original-looking backing and hanging arrangement remain present, together with the important Arthur H. Staples trade label.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
Historical Interest
Burnell Castle, more commonly known as Acton Burnell Castle, is a significant medieval site in Shropshire associated with Robert Burnell, Bishop of Bath and Wells and Chancellor to Edward I. The surviving ruins date principally from the 13th century.
This aquatint therefore combines several collecting areas: Georgian prints, British topographical art, Shropshire history, castle and architectural views, early 19th-century aquatints and antique decorative interiors.
A highly atmospheric and genuinely old piece of British topographical art, made particularly appealing by its recorded 1811 publication date and later antique gilt frame with identifiable London framer’s label.
Date: Published 1811
Subject: Burnell Castle / Acton Burnell Castle, Shropshire
Medium: Aquatint print
Publisher: J. Deeley, London
Frame: Antique gilt frame, Arthur H. Staples trade label verso
Sold: Framed and glazed as photographed