U.K., London; Henry Vizetelly,James Thomas , Andrew Spottiswoode - The Grand Panorama of London (de 5,4 metros) - 1821-1850

In 1843, Henry Vizetelly, with his older brother James Thomas and Andrew Spottiswoode, inaugurated the Pictorial Times, in competition with Illustrated London News. Determined to surpass their competitor, leaflets were distributed at the end of 1844 announcing the imminent publication of the world's largest engraving, the Great Panorama of London from the Thames, more than 4'5 meters long! Although dated December 21, 1844, the panorama appeared on January 11, 1845. It was divided into four sections on a sheet of 31½ inches by 42½ inches. The view extended from Western Stone Wharf, just west of Parliament, to Belfast, Cork, Leith and Glasgow Steam Wharf, just east of St. Katherine's Dock. All the buildings on the banks of the river were represented with considerable care, as was a great variety of river boats. The Hungerford Suspension Bridge was under construction. Near the Temple Gardens, the Doggett Coat and Badge Race was shown in progress. On March 22, 1845 it was issued with the four strips attached and folded with covers. It bore the mark of Charles Evans, editor of Pictorial Times. On Trinity Monday, 1847, the Duke of Wellington, as Master of Trinity House, proceeded by the river to Deptford for Divine Service in the Church of St. Nicholas. This event was used as an excuse for the Pictorial Times to issue additional strips of the Thames panorama on June 5 with descriptive notes, increasing the length to 5’4 meters. Accordion folding in a carpet of anonymous fabric. Complete and in good condition. Deployed measures 18 x 5400cm. (A copy of this magnificent drop-down for less than 20 pounds can now be purchased in London stores as a souvenir, but here we offer an authentic copy of 1847)