Oxford Antique Prints (1813/1814) - Magdalen Tower and Entrance to Oxford from The London Road - Nash, Lewis, Ackermann's History of Oxford

What a lovely pair of antique aquatint prints of old Oxford - one is of Magdalen Tower and one is of the entrance to Oxford from The London Road. Both framed in black wooden frames. The prints come from a collection published for Rudolph Ackermann's "A History of the University of Oxford," published in 1814. They prints depict the city and university's architecture and daily life.

Originally the artworks were completed by artist Frederick Nash, and the engravers F.C. Lewis and G. Lewis. Frederick Nash (1782–1856) was a distinguished English painter and draughtsman, celebrated for his architectural and topographical subjects. In Ackermann's publication, Nash provided detailed drawings of various Oxford landmarks, capturing their grandeur and intricate details. These drawings were then transformed into aquatint engravings by Frederick Christian Lewis (1779–1856), a master engraver known for his skill in this medium. Lewis's expertise ensured that the engravings retained the depth and character of Nash's original artworks. For instance, the plate titled "Entrance to Oxford, from the London Road" exemplifies the successful collaboration between Nash's artistic vision and Lewis's engraving proficiency.

The combined efforts of Nash and Lewis, under Ackermann's direction, resulted in a publication that serves as a historical record. And lovely to have two of these prints here.

The prints are spotted and stained from age, but they are still charming and clear as day with what they are depicting, just not as bright and white as they might have once been. They are in what could be original mounts and frames which also show their age. Most noticeable, the Entrance to Oxford print doesn't have any glass anymore, but the print is still sound in the frame. Replacement glass can be easily cut. The prints have hanging string on the reverse and bar no glass on one could be hung as is.

Of course the prints could be removed and reframed too ... depends what you are after.

Marvellous gifts for current or past students or staff of the University. Particularly those from Magdalen College. Also lovers of antique prints and city architecture. Wonderful examples.

Please see photos and video (photos show glass in both - this is not the case now).
Size : both frames are 42cm x 51cm just one vertical and one horizontal. Prints are approx 24.5cm x 31.5cm