While our images are electronically watermarked, the antique prints themselves are not.

Royal Exchange London, with separate plan VT25 $425
Unless otherwise stated, each print measures approximately 21 inches by 18 inches

We are delighted to offer these exquisite & extremely rare black & white copper engravings from the first edition of Vitruvius Britannicus or, the British Architect. Containing the Plans, Elevations, and Sections of the most Regular Buildings both Publick & Private in Great Britain. 

Colen Campbell (1676-1729) was a Scotsman & a lawyer who took up architecture. Vitruvius Britannicus was the first English architectural publication since Elizabethan times, & catalogued the work of great architects of the time,  including Inigo Jones and Sir Christopher Wren, as well as Campbell himself.

It was a time when Britain was growing tired of the excesses of the ornate Baroque period and returning to classical or Neo-Palladian architecture.   It was also the beginning of a building boom amongst the aristocracy & Whig politicians of the day.  Campbell’s work secured him many commissions & for a short time he served as a government advisor.

These superb engravings are certainly testament to the extent & grandeur of this new architectural style, epitomized by the magnificent Blenheim Palace, home of the Duke of Marlborough, set in sweeping parks in Woodstock, near Oxford.

The grounds of this palace have long been open to the public, & we played in them as children.  In keeping with modern aristocrats, the present Duke has made a business of his ancestral home & one can even fish in Blenheim’s great lake.  It is definitely worth a trip when in the UK, as it is an oasis of tranquility in the midst of a very populated area.

Each single print measures approximately 21 inches by 18 inches long, double folio size, on strong creamy white chain linked paper with occasional crown watermarks.  Where stated, the plan for the building accompanies the view, so two original prints are included.  The photos are very accurate, so please review carefully. All our prints are authentic antique prints and guaranteed to be from the date stated.  These prints are about 295 years old, over a quarter of a millennium! 

We accept credit cards, PayPal, checks, and money orders. Washington state residents pay Washington state sales tax. Shipping for this item is $12.95. Items can be combined to save on postage. Our environment is smoke free. We pack professionally using only new materials. All items are beautifully wrapped and suitable for sending directly as gifts. You may return any item within 7 days if not satisfied. To order, you may call us toll free at 1-888-PANTEEK, or email.