Image Gallery: Prints Collection
Prints are traditionally created by transferring ink from a block, plate or stone surface to a piece of paper using a number of techniques. The Cheshire Record Office and Chester Library hold a large collection of over 2000 prints, including some that date back to the 17th century. Thanks to the work of our dedicated volunteers and staff, this fascinating collection has now been catalogued. To find prints in our catalogue use Advanced Search and select 'Prints' from the Format drop-down menu. We have digitised a small selection to highlight the variety of prints in the collection.
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Chester Cathedral
A lithographic print of an internal view of the Cathedral, most likely dating from the 19th century. The artist has beautifully captured architectural details such as the ornate choir stalls, eagle lectern and stained glass windows. A lithograph is created by drawing directly onto stone, using a special pen with greasy ink or lithographic chalk.
The Rt Hon. Georgiana Maria, Lady Tabley
A portrait print of Georgiana Maria (1794 – 1859), wife of John Fleming Leicester, 1st Baron de Tabley. The image is reminiscent of a painting by John Simpson which is held at Tabley House, Knutsford. This print style has been achieved by the artist engraving ink-bearing lines into a metal plate, before being pressed into paper.
The City of Chester, 1753
This early print of Chester dates from 1753, when the city was still an important port and bustling market town. The print shows horse-racing at the Roodee Racecourse on the banks of the River Dee, the city walls and landmarks such as the Cathedral and Castle. Etching was a less laborious method of printing than engraving, using acid to create the ink-bearing lines.
Old Moreton Hall, Cheshire
A view of part of Little Moreton Hall; the iconic Tudor property built by the Moreton family near Congleton. The print was published by the ‘Anastatic Drawing Society’, which used lithographic transfer techniques to produce numerous copies of their amateur drawings. Anastatic drawing societies were popular amongst antiquarians in the 1850s - 1880s.
Macclesfield Public Park
A colourful print of Macclesfield Public Park, most likely dating from the mid 19th Century. The park was partly funded by what became known as ‘The Pennies of the Poor’ – small amounts collected from over 17,000 working people in the town. Colour lithographs were achieved using multiple stones with separate coloured inks.