18th-Century Architectural Engraving of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital by Benjamin Cole (Hand-Colored) | Antique English Architectural Engraving
18th-Century Architectural Engraving of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital by Benjamin Cole (Hand-Colored) | Antique English Architectural Engraving
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This rare hand-colored copperplate engraving offers a striking 18th-century architectural rendering of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, one of the city’s oldest and most storied institutions. Drawn and engraved by Benjamin Cole, a respected London engraver active in the mid-1700s, the plate showcases both the South and East Prospects of the hospital alongside intricate floor plans and heraldic crests. The layout and architectural details reflect the Georgian era’s fascination with order, symmetry, and civic improvement.
At the center of the plate, the general plan outlines the hospital’s design and intended use, including designated wards, courtyards, nurse’s rooms, and admission halls, making this not just a decorative piece, but also a document of Enlightenment-era philanthropy and medical care. The engraving is dedicated to John Tuff Esq., the then-treasurer of the hospital, whose coat of arms appears alongside that of the hospital itself.
Framed under glass in a finely edged gold and black frame with a wide cream mat, the print remains an exceptional example of Georgian architectural documentation. These prints were typically created for benefactors, trustees, or learned collectors with a keen interest in urban improvement and institutional design. Ideal for a study, library wall, or any interior where British history and classic architecture are celebrated.
The engraving is in excellent condition for its age. The hand-coloring retains good vibrancy with minimal fading. The paper shows expected age toning and minor foxing, but no tears or losses. The plate is presented under glass in a later but well-suited frame with a gold-beaded inner edge and a neutral mat that complements the print well. The frame shows only minor wear consistent with display and is ready to hang.
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Important Info About Antique & Vintage
Every antique and vintage item we carry has lived a life before arriving in your home. These are not factory-made products. They are objects with history, character, and the marks of time.
Age-appropriate wear, patina, minor imperfections, and signs of previous use or repair are inherent to antique and vintage items and are not considered defects. These characteristics are part of what makes each piece unique and are often what give it its beauty and value.
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Colors may appear slightly different on screen due to monitor settings and photography lighting. We do our best to represent each item accurately.
