“Eshton 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 beautifully preserved Victorian Baxter-process colored woodblock engraving of Eshton Hall, illustrated by Alexander Francis Lydon and printed by Benjamin Fawcett for William Mackenzie’s esteemed late-19th-century series Picturesque Views of Seats of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland. This atmospheric winter view highlights the elegance of the Yorkshire estate set within a quiet, snow-laden landscape.
Artwork Description
This serene and evocative engraving captures Eshton Hall at the heart of a tranquil winter scene. Lydon’s architectural precision showcases the hall’s symmetrical façade, mullioned windows, crenellated parapets, and distinctive central tower, all emerging softly from the whitened grounds. The structure stands in warm contrast to the cool blues, gentle grays, and silvery tones of the snow-covered parkland.
Framing the hall are sculptural, leafless trees, their branches rendered with delicate, calligraphic linework that exemplifies Lydon’s mastery of natural detail. Overhead, layered winter clouds drift across the sky as birds circle above, enhancing the stillness and poetry of the composition.
Executed through Fawcett’s refined Baxter-process, this plate was built from multiple woodblocks—each inked in transparent color to create depth, subtle shifts in tone, and luminously blended winter hues. The result is a print that is both historically significant and aesthetically captivating, a true example of late Victorian color-print craftsmanship.
Artist & Printer Biographies
ALEXANDER FRANCIS LYDON (1836–1917)
A distinguished Victorian illustrator celebrated for his architectural, botanical, and zoological renderings. Lydon’s detailed draughtsmanship and atmospheric sensitivity made him one of the era’s most admired landscape illustrators. His work in collaboration with Fawcett remains the gold standard for 19th-century estate views.
BENJAMIN FAWCETT (1808–1893)
Fawcett was one of the foremost color printers of his century, renowned for advancing the Baxter-process and producing exceptionally fine multi-block wood engravings. Working from Driffield, he published and printed dozens of important illustrated works, many featuring Lydon’s drawings.
WILLIAM MACKENZIE — Publisher
A leading late-Victorian publisher of luxury illustrated volumes. His Picturesque Views series remains an indispensable visual record of Britain’s aristocratic houses during the period, frequently providing the only accurate visual documentation of estates that have since been altered or lost.
Alexander Francis Lydon (illustrator), Benjamin Fawcett (printer), “Eshton 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 color, clean sheet, never framed; very good vintage condition.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation
Title: Eshton 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; strong original color; never framed or displayed
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Verified original 19th-century Lydon–Fawcett plate from the 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
“Eshton 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 beautifully preserved Victorian Baxter-process colored woodblock engraving of Eshton Hall, illustrated by Alexander Francis Lydon and printed by Benjamin Fawcett for William Mackenzie’s esteemed late-19th-century series Picturesque Views of Seats of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland. This atmospheric winter view highlights the elegance of the Yorkshire estate set within a quiet, snow-laden landscape.
Artwork Description
This serene and evocative engraving captures Eshton Hall at the heart of a tranquil winter scene. Lydon’s architectural precision showcases the hall’s symmetrical façade, mullioned windows, crenellated parapets, and distinctive central tower, all emerging softly from the whitened grounds. The structure stands in warm contrast to the cool blues, gentle grays, and silvery tones of the snow-covered parkland.
Framing the hall are sculptural, leafless trees, their branches rendered with delicate, calligraphic linework that exemplifies Lydon’s mastery of natural detail. Overhead, layered winter clouds drift across the sky as birds circle above, enhancing the stillness and poetry of the composition.
Executed through Fawcett’s refined Baxter-process, this plate was built from multiple woodblocks—each inked in transparent color to create depth, subtle shifts in tone, and luminously blended winter hues. The result is a print that is both historically significant and aesthetically captivating, a true example of late Victorian color-print craftsmanship.
Artist & Printer Biographies
ALEXANDER FRANCIS LYDON (1836–1917)
A distinguished Victorian illustrator celebrated for his architectural, botanical, and zoological renderings. Lydon’s detailed draughtsmanship and atmospheric sensitivity made him one of the era’s most admired landscape illustrators. His work in collaboration with Fawcett remains the gold standard for 19th-century estate views.
BENJAMIN FAWCETT (1808–1893)
Fawcett was one of the foremost color printers of his century, renowned for advancing the Baxter-process and producing exceptionally fine multi-block wood engravings. Working from Driffield, he published and printed dozens of important illustrated works, many featuring Lydon’s drawings.
WILLIAM MACKENZIE — Publisher
A leading late-Victorian publisher of luxury illustrated volumes. His Picturesque Views series remains an indispensable visual record of Britain’s aristocratic houses during the period, frequently providing the only accurate visual documentation of estates that have since been altered or lost.
Alexander Francis Lydon (illustrator), Benjamin Fawcett (printer), “Eshton 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 color, clean sheet, never framed; very good vintage condition.
CERTIFICATE OF VALUE & AUTHENTICATION
For Fine Art Appraisal / Insurance / Gallery Documentation
Title: Eshton 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; strong original color; never framed or displayed
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington, DC
Authentication: Verified original 19th-century Lydon–Fawcett plate from the 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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