Drwan by H. Park. Engraved by T. Sherratt.
by E. Palmer, 103, Newgate Street [n.d., c.1850.]
Two vignettes, one conventionally engraved on steel, the other an almost identical copy. Sheet 275 x 220mm. Small, very tatty margins with small nicks and tears. Some staining.
Sample sheet intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of electrotyping as a means of duplicating printed images. The process was invented in the mid-nineteenth century, around the date of this print, almost immediately after electrical batteries good enough to manage the process were invented. A duplicate printing plate is created through electrolysis from a wax or metal mold of the original printing plate. The impression taken is dusted with a very fine conductive powder (usually graphite), and then metal (usually copper) is electroplated onto the surface, forming a thin metal shell that can have a remarkably accurate image, as witnessed here. Electrical experiments are amoung those being performed by the industrious putti engaged in scientific and mechanical pursuits who feature in these images.
[Ref: 7418]  £160.00