Lot 964: An Antique Mid-Victorian Wood Engraving of The Royal Albert Viaduct at Saltash 1859
An antique mid-Victorian wood engraving of The Royal Albert Viaduct at Saltash 1859, depicting the landmark lenticular truss bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel spanning the River Tamar between Plymouth and Saltash. The composition is taken from a high vantage point on the Saltash bank, featuring a rustic wooden post-and-rail fence with grazing cattle in the immediate foreground, with the town and viaduct piers visible below. The engraving demonstrates the precise, fine line work and dense cross-hatching characteristic of mid-19th century periodical illustrations. No plate mark is visible, as is typical for relief printing of this period, and the impression remains clear with good tonal contrast. The lower right margin bears a printed inscription reading THE ROYAL ALBERT VIADUCT AT SALTASH 1859. The work is presented in a modern black frame with a dark brown mount and glazing. Two adhesive labels are attached to the glass: a white printed label reading HCP Auctions South West Lot 964 59 and a yellow handwritten label reading 2393 RESERVE £20.
Condition report:
The engraving is in good stable condition with even light age-related toning to the paper. There are no visible foxing marks, tears, or stains to the sheet. The modern frame shows multiple white scuffs and abrasions along the edges and corners (photo 1). Some light dust is trapped beneath the glazing.
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