“Cobham 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 brilliant Victorian Baxter-process colored woodblock engraving of Cobham Hall, illustrated by Alexander Francis Lydon and printed by Benjamin Fawcett for William Mackenzie’s iconic volume Picturesque Views of Seats of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland (c.1880). This richly detailed rendering captures the grandeur of one of England’s most architecturally significant Tudor–Jacobean estates.
Artwork Description
This superb engraving shows Cobham Hall—one of Kent’s most important historic houses—displayed across a sunlit expanse of lawn beneath a softly glowing, cloud-streaked sky. Lydon’s impeccable architectural draftsmanship reveals the hall’s complex mix of Tudor, Elizabethan, and later additions, with red-brick façades, gabled rooflines, ornate chimneys, and distinctive polygonal towers topped by domed lanterns.
The balanced composition emphasizes the estate’s impressive width, drawing the eye from the left-hand turret and mullioned windows across the central entrance portico to the matching tower on the right. Subtle shadows cast across the manicured lawn create depth and atmosphere, while the delicately colored sky adds a sense of calm and late-afternoon light.
The print was executed through Fawcett’s refined Baxter-process, requiring numerous hand-inked blocks to achieve its vibrant hues—brick reds, slate grays, warm creams, and lush greens. Transparent layering of color yields exceptional tonal harmony and crisp architectural detail. This plate stands among the finest examples of late Victorian estate illustration.
Artist & Printer Biographies
ALEXANDER FRANCIS LYDON (1836–1917)
One of Britain’s most respected Victorian illustrators, Lydon was celebrated for his mastery of architectural precision and landscape composition. His long artistic partnership with Benjamin Fawcett produced some of the 19th century’s most admired printed works, particularly the estate views in the Mackenzie volumes.
BENJAMIN FAWCETT (1808–1893)
A pioneering color printer whose workshop in Driffield perfected multi-block colored wood engraving. His adaptation of the Baxter-process set new standards for color consistency, clarity, and luminosity. Fawcett’s collaborations with Lydon remain highly collectible.
WILLIAM MACKENZIE — Publisher
Renowned for producing luxurious Victorian illustrated books, Mackenzie’s Picturesque Views series remains a vital documentary record of British aristocratic houses during the late 19th century.
Alexander Francis Lydon (illustrator), Benjamin Fawcett (printer), “Cobham 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. Rich original color, sharp impression, very good vintage condition; never framed.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation
Title: Cobham 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 color and line; clean sheet; never framed or displayed
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Confirmed as an original period woodblock engraving from the Lydon–Fawcett Picturesque Viewsseries.
Provenance (Collector Format)
Published by William Mackenzie, London (c.1880)
Private British collection
Mitch Moore Gallery Inc., NYC
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
“Cobham 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 brilliant Victorian Baxter-process colored woodblock engraving of Cobham Hall, illustrated by Alexander Francis Lydon and printed by Benjamin Fawcett for William Mackenzie’s iconic volume Picturesque Views of Seats of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland (c.1880). This richly detailed rendering captures the grandeur of one of England’s most architecturally significant Tudor–Jacobean estates.
Artwork Description
This superb engraving shows Cobham Hall—one of Kent’s most important historic houses—displayed across a sunlit expanse of lawn beneath a softly glowing, cloud-streaked sky. Lydon’s impeccable architectural draftsmanship reveals the hall’s complex mix of Tudor, Elizabethan, and later additions, with red-brick façades, gabled rooflines, ornate chimneys, and distinctive polygonal towers topped by domed lanterns.
The balanced composition emphasizes the estate’s impressive width, drawing the eye from the left-hand turret and mullioned windows across the central entrance portico to the matching tower on the right. Subtle shadows cast across the manicured lawn create depth and atmosphere, while the delicately colored sky adds a sense of calm and late-afternoon light.
The print was executed through Fawcett’s refined Baxter-process, requiring numerous hand-inked blocks to achieve its vibrant hues—brick reds, slate grays, warm creams, and lush greens. Transparent layering of color yields exceptional tonal harmony and crisp architectural detail. This plate stands among the finest examples of late Victorian estate illustration.
Artist & Printer Biographies
ALEXANDER FRANCIS LYDON (1836–1917)
One of Britain’s most respected Victorian illustrators, Lydon was celebrated for his mastery of architectural precision and landscape composition. His long artistic partnership with Benjamin Fawcett produced some of the 19th century’s most admired printed works, particularly the estate views in the Mackenzie volumes.
BENJAMIN FAWCETT (1808–1893)
A pioneering color printer whose workshop in Driffield perfected multi-block colored wood engraving. His adaptation of the Baxter-process set new standards for color consistency, clarity, and luminosity. Fawcett’s collaborations with Lydon remain highly collectible.
WILLIAM MACKENZIE — Publisher
Renowned for producing luxurious Victorian illustrated books, Mackenzie’s Picturesque Views series remains a vital documentary record of British aristocratic houses during the late 19th century.
Alexander Francis Lydon (illustrator), Benjamin Fawcett (printer), “Cobham 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. Rich original color, sharp impression, very good vintage condition; never framed.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation
Title: Cobham 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 color and line; clean sheet; never framed or displayed
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Confirmed as an original period woodblock engraving from the Lydon–Fawcett Picturesque Viewsseries.
Provenance (Collector Format)
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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