19.5" W X 14.25" H
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.
Condition:
This antique engraving is in excellent condition for its age. The hand-coloring retains good vibrancy with minimal fading. 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-toned mat that complements the print. The frame shows only minor wear consistent with display but is ready to hang. Engraving is unsigned but clearly credited to “B. Cole sculp.” in the lower right. Overall, this piece presents beautifully and is a fine example of 18th-century architectural engraving work.
