“Bagshot Park,” Alexander Francis Lydon (1836–1917), c.1880, Baxter-process multi-block colored woodblock engraving printed by Benjamin Fawcett (1808–1893), published by William Mackenzie; sheet approx. 10½ × 8 in., image approx. 7¼ × 5⅛ in., unsigned as issued.
A beautifully preserved Victorian Baxter-process colored woodblock engraving of Bagshot Park, illustrated by Alexander Francis Lydon and printed by Benjamin Fawcett for William Mackenzie’s Picturesque Views of Seats of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland. This detailed estate portrait captures the extended red-brick façade of Bagshot Park within a sweeping landscape of trees and luminous open sky.
Artwork Description
This richly detailed 19th-century engraving presents Bagshot Park, a historic residence long associated with British royalty, framed within an expansive parkland setting. Lydon depicts the estate from a broad, sunlit vantage point, emphasizing the length and architectural complexity of the mansion’s gabled rooflines, clustered chimneys, mullioned windows, and turreted central tower.
The airy, cloud-flecked sky sets a serene rural tone, while large mature trees on the left and right provide depth and natural framing. A well-kept lawn fills the foreground, with small groups enjoying the grounds—an elegant nod to Victorian leisure and estate life. The subtle shift from deep greens in the shade to bright sunlit grass demonstrates Lydon’s mastery of atmospheric perspective.
Executed through Fawcett’s refined Baxter-process, the print layers multiple transparent color blocks to achieve vibrant reds, warm stone hues, delicate sky tones, and crisp architectural detail. The combination of Lydon’s precision and Fawcett’s exceptional color printing results in a harmonious, museum-worthy example of late Victorian estate illustration.
Artist & Printer Biographies
ALEXANDER FRANCIS LYDON (1836–1917)
A leading Victorian illustrator known for architectural clarity, naturalistic detail, and superb compositional balance. Best recognized for his partnerships with Benjamin Fawcett, Lydon produced some of the most iconic 19th-century views of British and Irish country houses. His estate illustrations remain primary visual references for properties that have evolved or disappeared.
BENJAMIN FAWCETT (1808–1893)
A master printer and one of the foremost innovators of the Baxter-process. Fawcett’s multi-block color wood engravings rank among the most technically refined color prints of the Victorian era. His collaboration with Lydon on Picturesque Views stands as a pinnacle of 19th-century printed color.
WILLIAM MACKENZIE — Publisher
Publisher of luxury illustrated books, Mackenzie’s Picturesque Views volumes remain essential records of aristocratic Britain. Many estate portraits printed under his imprint represent the last accurate visual documentation of these properties before significant changes.
Alexander Francis Lydon (illustrator), Benjamin Fawcett (printer), “Bagshot Park,” c.1880. Baxter-process multi-block colored woodblock engraving from Picturesque Views of Seats. Sheet approx. 10½ × 8 in.; image approx. 7¼ × 5⅛ in. Excellent color and detail; very good condition with light foxing consistent with age; never framed.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation
Title: Bagshot Park
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, vibrant color; light foxing appropriate to age; never framed
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Confirmed original 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
“Bagshot Park,” Alexander Francis Lydon (1836–1917), c.1880, Baxter-process multi-block colored woodblock engraving printed by Benjamin Fawcett (1808–1893), published by William Mackenzie; sheet approx. 10½ × 8 in., image approx. 7¼ × 5⅛ in., unsigned as issued.
A beautifully preserved Victorian Baxter-process colored woodblock engraving of Bagshot Park, illustrated by Alexander Francis Lydon and printed by Benjamin Fawcett for William Mackenzie’s Picturesque Views of Seats of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland. This detailed estate portrait captures the extended red-brick façade of Bagshot Park within a sweeping landscape of trees and luminous open sky.
Artwork Description
This richly detailed 19th-century engraving presents Bagshot Park, a historic residence long associated with British royalty, framed within an expansive parkland setting. Lydon depicts the estate from a broad, sunlit vantage point, emphasizing the length and architectural complexity of the mansion’s gabled rooflines, clustered chimneys, mullioned windows, and turreted central tower.
The airy, cloud-flecked sky sets a serene rural tone, while large mature trees on the left and right provide depth and natural framing. A well-kept lawn fills the foreground, with small groups enjoying the grounds—an elegant nod to Victorian leisure and estate life. The subtle shift from deep greens in the shade to bright sunlit grass demonstrates Lydon’s mastery of atmospheric perspective.
Executed through Fawcett’s refined Baxter-process, the print layers multiple transparent color blocks to achieve vibrant reds, warm stone hues, delicate sky tones, and crisp architectural detail. The combination of Lydon’s precision and Fawcett’s exceptional color printing results in a harmonious, museum-worthy example of late Victorian estate illustration.
Artist & Printer Biographies
ALEXANDER FRANCIS LYDON (1836–1917)
A leading Victorian illustrator known for architectural clarity, naturalistic detail, and superb compositional balance. Best recognized for his partnerships with Benjamin Fawcett, Lydon produced some of the most iconic 19th-century views of British and Irish country houses. His estate illustrations remain primary visual references for properties that have evolved or disappeared.
BENJAMIN FAWCETT (1808–1893)
A master printer and one of the foremost innovators of the Baxter-process. Fawcett’s multi-block color wood engravings rank among the most technically refined color prints of the Victorian era. His collaboration with Lydon on Picturesque Views stands as a pinnacle of 19th-century printed color.
WILLIAM MACKENZIE — Publisher
Publisher of luxury illustrated books, Mackenzie’s Picturesque Views volumes remain essential records of aristocratic Britain. Many estate portraits printed under his imprint represent the last accurate visual documentation of these properties before significant changes.
Alexander Francis Lydon (illustrator), Benjamin Fawcett (printer), “Bagshot Park,” c.1880. Baxter-process multi-block colored woodblock engraving from Picturesque Views of Seats. Sheet approx. 10½ × 8 in.; image approx. 7¼ × 5⅛ in. Excellent color and detail; very good condition with light foxing consistent with age; never framed.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation
Title: Bagshot Park
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, vibrant color; light foxing appropriate to age; never framed
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Confirmed original 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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