The North Prospect of Woolwich, in the County of Kent

Location

Country: Germany
City: Munich
Place: British Consulate-General

This view or ‘prospect’ of Woolwich shows the historic town as it was in the early 18th century. The main buildings of the town are clearly drawn and above each is a number which refers to the key below.

This image is part of a series of prospects of England and Wales, produced by brothers Samuel and Nathaniel Buck between 1728 and 1753. The Bucks undertook tours around England and Wales each year, producing detailed views of the locations they visited. They would typically plan their travels carefully, advertising their work in the local press of the places they intended to travel to before arriving, in the hope of attracting potential subscribers. The resulting prospects were published over a number of years and were made available to non-subscribers only after all the impressions had been published.

Below this image of Woolwich, text describes the town as it was in the early 18th century:

‘On the East end of the Town of Woolwich is the grand Repository of the Artillery... Here also is establish’d a Royal Foundery [sic] for the casting of Brass Cannon, and Mortar’s... Market on Friday...’

Brothers Samuel and Nathaniel Buck made their names as leading British topographical draughtsmen of the 18th century. Over a period of 34 years, the Bucks produced several hundred drawings and engravings, including 87 engraved prospects of England and Wales. These are now important visual records of the appearance of British urban landscapes prior to the changes that occurred during the Industrial Revolution. In some cases, the places depicted have since disappeared or changed beyond recognition.

Places

England, Kent

Subjects

rowing boat, topography, landscape C18th, townscape/cityscape, river, hill, flag, field, dock, church, sailboat

Materials & Techniques

engraving, coloured engraving

Artist

Samuel and Nathaniel Buck (1696 - 1779)

Title

The North Prospect of Woolwich, in the County of Kent

Date

26 March 1739

Medium

Coloured engraving

Acquisition

Purchased from the Parker Gallery, May 1964

GAC number

6471