“Acton Reynald Hall,” Alexander Francis Lydon (1836–1917), c.1880, Baxter-process multi-block colored woodblock engraving printed by Benjamin Fawcett (1808–1893) and published by William Mackenzie; sheet approx. 10½ × 8 in., image approx. 7¼ × 5⅛ in., unsigned as issued.
A finely preserved Victorian Baxter-process colored woodblock engraving of Acton Reynald Hall, illustrated by Alexander Francis Lydon and printed by Benjamin Fawcett for William Mackenzie’s renowned Picturesque Views of Seats of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland. This detailed architectural portrait captures the stately, gabled façade of the Shropshire estate in serene, sophisticated color.
Artwork Description
This elegant 19th-century engraving presents Acton Reynald Hall, a distinguished country estate built in the early 19th century and associated with the prominent Corbet family. Lydon depicts the hall in its full architectural grandeur, featuring its characteristic steep gables, mullioned windows, clustered chimneys, ornate columned porches, and symmetrical projecting bays.
The viewpoint offers a sweeping atmospheric setting—soft grays and muted greens lend the scene a quiet dignity, while the expansive lawn draws the eye toward the hall’s convincing perspective and clean architectural lines. The delicate cloud forms overhead add depth without distracting from the precision of the engraving.
The work is executed using the Baxter-process multi-block wood engraving technique, masterfully printed by Benjamin Fawcett. Subtle tonal transitions in stonework, balanced greens in the landscaping, and the crisp edges of architectural detail showcase the refined technical skill characteristic of the Lydon–Fawcett partnership. As with all prints from this series, the engraving offers both documentary value and aesthetic appeal.
Artist & Printer Biographies
ALEXANDER FRANCIS LYDON (1836–1917)
An important Victorian illustrator celebrated for his meticulous depictions of architecture, landscapes, and natural subjects. His estate portraits—particularly those produced in partnership with printer Benjamin Fawcett—remain essential visual records of Britain’s grand houses during the 19th century. Lydon’s precision, restrained palette, and masterful perspective continue to distinguish his work among collectors.
BENJAMIN FAWCETT (1808–1893)
One of the most skilled color printers of the 19th century and a key innovator of the Baxter-process technique, Fawcett’s color wood engravings stand out for their clarity, vibrancy, and technical brilliance. His collaborations with Lydon on Picturesque Views are considered the pinnacle of Victorian color printing.
WILLIAM MACKENZIE — Publisher
A leading publisher of finely illustrated volumes, Mackenzie issued the celebrated Picturesque Views series—now prized for its documentary accuracy and visual elegance. Many country houses depicted no longer survive in their original form, giving these prints enduring historical significance.
Alexander Francis Lydon (illustrator), Benjamin Fawcett (printer), “Acton Reynald Hall,” c.1880. Baxter-process multi-block colored woodblock engraving from Picturesque Views. Sheet approx. 10½ × 8 in.; image approx. 7¼ × 5⅛ in. Excellent impression with soft, even color; minor aging consistent with period; unframed.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation
Title: Acton Reynald Hall
Illustrator: Alexander Francis Lydon (1836–1917)
Printer: Benjamin Fawcett (1808–1893)
Publisher: William Mackenzie
Date: c.1880
Medium: Baxter-process multi-block colored woodblock engraving
Sheet Size: approx. 10½ × 8 in.
Image Size: approx. 7¼ × 5⅛ in.
Condition: Strong impression; excellent original color; light age toning; never framed
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Verified original plate engraving from the Lydon–Fawcett Picturesque Views series.
Provenance
Published by William Mackenzie, London (c.1880)
Private British collection
Mitch Moore Gallery Inc., NYC
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
“Acton Reynald Hall,” Alexander Francis Lydon (1836–1917), c.1880, Baxter-process multi-block colored woodblock engraving printed by Benjamin Fawcett (1808–1893) and published by William Mackenzie; sheet approx. 10½ × 8 in., image approx. 7¼ × 5⅛ in., unsigned as issued.
A finely preserved Victorian Baxter-process colored woodblock engraving of Acton Reynald Hall, illustrated by Alexander Francis Lydon and printed by Benjamin Fawcett for William Mackenzie’s renowned Picturesque Views of Seats of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland. This detailed architectural portrait captures the stately, gabled façade of the Shropshire estate in serene, sophisticated color.
Artwork Description
This elegant 19th-century engraving presents Acton Reynald Hall, a distinguished country estate built in the early 19th century and associated with the prominent Corbet family. Lydon depicts the hall in its full architectural grandeur, featuring its characteristic steep gables, mullioned windows, clustered chimneys, ornate columned porches, and symmetrical projecting bays.
The viewpoint offers a sweeping atmospheric setting—soft grays and muted greens lend the scene a quiet dignity, while the expansive lawn draws the eye toward the hall’s convincing perspective and clean architectural lines. The delicate cloud forms overhead add depth without distracting from the precision of the engraving.
The work is executed using the Baxter-process multi-block wood engraving technique, masterfully printed by Benjamin Fawcett. Subtle tonal transitions in stonework, balanced greens in the landscaping, and the crisp edges of architectural detail showcase the refined technical skill characteristic of the Lydon–Fawcett partnership. As with all prints from this series, the engraving offers both documentary value and aesthetic appeal.
Artist & Printer Biographies
ALEXANDER FRANCIS LYDON (1836–1917)
An important Victorian illustrator celebrated for his meticulous depictions of architecture, landscapes, and natural subjects. His estate portraits—particularly those produced in partnership with printer Benjamin Fawcett—remain essential visual records of Britain’s grand houses during the 19th century. Lydon’s precision, restrained palette, and masterful perspective continue to distinguish his work among collectors.
BENJAMIN FAWCETT (1808–1893)
One of the most skilled color printers of the 19th century and a key innovator of the Baxter-process technique, Fawcett’s color wood engravings stand out for their clarity, vibrancy, and technical brilliance. His collaborations with Lydon on Picturesque Views are considered the pinnacle of Victorian color printing.
WILLIAM MACKENZIE — Publisher
A leading publisher of finely illustrated volumes, Mackenzie issued the celebrated Picturesque Views series—now prized for its documentary accuracy and visual elegance. Many country houses depicted no longer survive in their original form, giving these prints enduring historical significance.
Alexander Francis Lydon (illustrator), Benjamin Fawcett (printer), “Acton Reynald Hall,” c.1880. Baxter-process multi-block colored woodblock engraving from Picturesque Views. Sheet approx. 10½ × 8 in.; image approx. 7¼ × 5⅛ in. Excellent impression with soft, even color; minor aging consistent with period; unframed.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation
Title: Acton Reynald Hall
Illustrator: Alexander Francis Lydon (1836–1917)
Printer: Benjamin Fawcett (1808–1893)
Publisher: William Mackenzie
Date: c.1880
Medium: Baxter-process multi-block colored woodblock engraving
Sheet Size: approx. 10½ × 8 in.
Image Size: approx. 7¼ × 5⅛ in.
Condition: Strong impression; excellent original color; light age toning; never framed
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Verified original plate engraving from the Lydon–Fawcett Picturesque Views series.
Provenance
Published by William Mackenzie, London (c.1880)
Private British collection
Mitch Moore Gallery Inc., NYC
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
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