‘Pass-room Bridewell’ by Rowlandson & Pugin - Ackermann Microcosm of London - 1808 Hand-coloured Aquatint

‘Pass-Room Bridewell’ By Rowlandson & Pugin - Ackermann Microcosm of London - 1808 hand-coloured aquatint

A genuine, original Georgian hand-coloured aquatint engraving titled "Pass-Room Bridewell", published in London on March 1, 1808, by Rudolph Ackermann at The Repository of Arts, 101 Strand.

This poignant print is Plate Number 12 from the legendary landmark publication The Microcosm of London. It presents a fascinating and rare social record of the interior of Bridewell Prison's holding ward, where destitute women and vagrants awaited relocation to their home parishes.

The composition is a premier masterwork collaboration: dramatic institutional perspective and lighting by Augustus Pugin juxtaposed with highly sensitive and expressive human figure studies by the renowned social satirist Thomas Rowlandson. The plate boasts superb aquatint work by John Hill, elegantly elevated by original, hand-applied watercolour washes.

The scene details a stark, high-ceilinged room illuminated by strong shafts of light pouring through barred windows, highlighting the straw-lined beds and the interactions of the mothers and inmates. The print has been neatly hinge-mounted inside a premium contemporary white display mat board and is entirely ready for framing. A magnificent and rare historical document for collectors of social history, early penal reform, and rare Londoniana.

• Artists: Thomas Rowlandson & Augustus Pugin

• Aquatint Engraver: John Hill

• Publisher & Date: Rudolph Ackermann, 1 March 1808

• Material: Hand-coloured aquatint on heavy period woven rag paper

• Condition: Good antique condition. The plate impression remains sharp and fully defined. The watercolour washes are bright, clear, and tastefully applied. The paper within the display aperture is exceptionally clean, free of foxing, tears, centre creases, or structural blemishes.

Dimensions

• Mat Board Outer Width: 39.5 cm (approx. 15.5 inches)

• Mat Board Outer Height: 33.5 cm (approx. 13.2 inches)

• Visible Print Aperture Width: 28.0 cm (approx. 11.0 inches)

• Visible Print Aperture Height: 23.3 cm (approx. 9.2 inches)

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