“Clifton Hall,” 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 finely detailed Victorian Baxter-process colored woodblock engraving of Clifton Hall, illustrated by Alexander Francis Lydon and printed by Benjamin Fawcett for the renowned Picturesque Views of Seats of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland (c.1880). This warm, elegant rendering highlights the Georgian refinement of Clifton Hall within a manicured landscape.
Artwork Description
This handsome 19th-century engraving presents Clifton Hall in a beautifully composed three-quarter view, emphasizing its harmonious Georgian architecture. The façade showcases symmetrical sash windows, brickwork articulated with stone quoins, and a distinctive rounded bay extension crowned by a balustrade—details that Lydon records with impeccable accuracy.
The lower level’s elegant arcade of arched windows anchors the composition and conveys the hall’s graceful proportion. Surrounding the estate, meticulously trimmed garden beds introduce soft touches of color, while mature trees and an accompanying church tower beyond the right side hint at the estate’s historic parish context.
The expansive sky, filled with delicate, pearl-like cloud clusters, brings luminosity to the scene and balances the structured geometry of the house. Lydon’s ability to pair architectural exactitude with atmospheric sensitivity is further enhanced by Fawcett’s multi-block Baxter-process, which applies transparent layers of ink to achieve warm golden tones, subtle green gradations, and crisp architectural lines. The result is a richly dimensional and historically important print.
Artist & Printer Biographies
ALEXANDER FRANCIS LYDON (1836–1917)
A master of Victorian illustration, Lydon was celebrated for his architectural, zoological, and landscape work. His exceptional draughtsmanship and ability to capture both the grandeur and nuance of British estates made him a central figure in 19th-century illustrated publishing. His collaborations with printer Benjamin Fawcett remain among the most technically exquisite of the era.
BENJAMIN FAWCETT (1808–1893)
One of the most innovative color printers of the 19th century, Fawcett perfected multi-block wood engraving using the Baxter-process. His prints are known for their clarity, transparent tonal layering, and stability of color. Working from Driffield, he produced dozens of celebrated volumes, many in partnership with Lydon.
WILLIAM MACKENZIE — Publisher
A leading Victorian publisher of fine illustrated books, Mackenzie issued the acclaimed Picturesque Views volumes documenting Britain’s aristocratic estates. These books serve as invaluable records of architecture and landscaping during the late Victorian period.
Alexander Francis Lydon (illustrator), Benjamin Fawcett (printer), “Clifton Hall,” 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 original color, strong impression; very good vintage condition; never framed.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation
Title: Clifton 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: Excellent impression; clean sheet; strong color; never framed
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Verified as an original period 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
“Clifton Hall,” 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 finely detailed Victorian Baxter-process colored woodblock engraving of Clifton Hall, illustrated by Alexander Francis Lydon and printed by Benjamin Fawcett for the renowned Picturesque Views of Seats of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland (c.1880). This warm, elegant rendering highlights the Georgian refinement of Clifton Hall within a manicured landscape.
Artwork Description
This handsome 19th-century engraving presents Clifton Hall in a beautifully composed three-quarter view, emphasizing its harmonious Georgian architecture. The façade showcases symmetrical sash windows, brickwork articulated with stone quoins, and a distinctive rounded bay extension crowned by a balustrade—details that Lydon records with impeccable accuracy.
The lower level’s elegant arcade of arched windows anchors the composition and conveys the hall’s graceful proportion. Surrounding the estate, meticulously trimmed garden beds introduce soft touches of color, while mature trees and an accompanying church tower beyond the right side hint at the estate’s historic parish context.
The expansive sky, filled with delicate, pearl-like cloud clusters, brings luminosity to the scene and balances the structured geometry of the house. Lydon’s ability to pair architectural exactitude with atmospheric sensitivity is further enhanced by Fawcett’s multi-block Baxter-process, which applies transparent layers of ink to achieve warm golden tones, subtle green gradations, and crisp architectural lines. The result is a richly dimensional and historically important print.
Artist & Printer Biographies
ALEXANDER FRANCIS LYDON (1836–1917)
A master of Victorian illustration, Lydon was celebrated for his architectural, zoological, and landscape work. His exceptional draughtsmanship and ability to capture both the grandeur and nuance of British estates made him a central figure in 19th-century illustrated publishing. His collaborations with printer Benjamin Fawcett remain among the most technically exquisite of the era.
BENJAMIN FAWCETT (1808–1893)
One of the most innovative color printers of the 19th century, Fawcett perfected multi-block wood engraving using the Baxter-process. His prints are known for their clarity, transparent tonal layering, and stability of color. Working from Driffield, he produced dozens of celebrated volumes, many in partnership with Lydon.
WILLIAM MACKENZIE — Publisher
A leading Victorian publisher of fine illustrated books, Mackenzie issued the acclaimed Picturesque Views volumes documenting Britain’s aristocratic estates. These books serve as invaluable records of architecture and landscaping during the late Victorian period.
Alexander Francis Lydon (illustrator), Benjamin Fawcett (printer), “Clifton Hall,” 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 original color, strong impression; very good vintage condition; never framed.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation
Title: Clifton 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: Excellent impression; clean sheet; strong color; never framed
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Verified as an original period 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
Image 1 of 7
Image 2 of 7
Image 3 of 7
Image 4 of 7
Image 5 of 7
Image 6 of 7
Image 7 of 7
