Isle of Wight

26x21 cm

ISLE OF WIGHT
This series of decorative steel-plate engraved maps are commonly known by the author of the work in which they first appeared; Moule's  English Counties Delineated. First issued from May 1830 in a series of parts, the first complete edition was published by George Virtue in 1837. Several editions followed until 1839 and the plates were then used by George Virtue and his son James Sprent Virtue in A Complete and Universal Dictionary of the English Language by the Rev. James Barclay until 1857. The engraving of the plates was shared between James Bingley, William Schmollinger and John Dower. The plates underwent a number of changes including the unexplained interchanging of engraver's names in the early issues and were frequently updated to reflect the rapidly developing railway network.

The Isle of Wight map was unsigned but the engraving style is of John Crane Dower (1791?-1847). Born in London about 1791, he married Elizabeth Pass in 1811. He is recorded as an engraver on the 1841 Census, living with three Elizabeth Dowers - presumably mother, wife and daughter - and his son John James Dower also recorded on the Census as engraver aged 15. He died in Feb 1847 leaving his engraving business to his two sons, John James and Frederick James Dower.
Vignette of Carisbrooke Castle.
This example is from an 1842 edition of Barclay's dictionary in fine later hand colour. Small top margin with some stitch holes close to printed border, re-edged. Light water stains at bottom and right edge and a little light spotting but remains an attractive and decorative map.
 
 
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