Ayr, a view of the Brigs, antique engraving, 1880s

BRIGS OF AYR

A delightful Victorian view. This engraving was published in 'Picturesque Scotland,' a series of illustrated topographical studies which was first printed in the mid 1880s.

'Engraving' was the most important method of book and magazine illustration throughout the Victorian age.

Fine artists and engravers such as William Boot and W. H. Overend mastered the discipline of engraving their subject matter first onto wooden and later onto hard steel printing plates which allowed for finer lines and longer print runs than earlier methods.

The 'new technology' led to a spate of publications often produced in monthly instalments which brought glimpses of  towns, villages and scenes into the Victorian drawing room. These same items now make superb, unusual decorative reminders of a bygone age!