Manly Beach, Sydney Harbour, Australia antique print c1886

by Schell, Frederick B.

Antique print of Manly Beach in Sydney, Australia. Iconic Australian beach, with the ferry setting out to cross Sydney Harbour en-route to Circular Quay.

Original wood engraving after a sketch by Frederick B. Schell for Picturesque Atlas of Australasia circa 1886 (with later hand colour). Published to commemorate 100 years anniversary of British settlement at Port Jackson in Sydney, the woodcuts and engravings for this publication were among the finest in the world at the end of the 19th century. Illustrating the development of the colony during the period since settlement, the views were drawn by some of the finest topographical artists of the day. Although only in his twenties, F.B. Schell was appointed artistic director in charge of the selection and commissioning of the artwork. It was a grand publication, published in parts between 1886 and 1888. The illustrations have always been appreciated.

While some special ones were full page engravings, the majority were printed within pages of text - but they were so appreciated even from the time of publication, that they were cut from the pages of text, coloured and framed. This lovely view of Manly is one such, and has been mounted between 'antique white' conservation ragmat board and is cellophaned for presentation and protection, ready for frame choice. Size of engraving is 4 x 7 inches or 10 x 18cm. External mounted size is 9.5 x 12 inches or 24 x 30cm.