1822 LONDON: R.H. Laurie - The Royal Exchange London - Hand coloured, Topography

Interior of the Royal Exchange, London

R.H. (Richard Holmes) Laurie, London: July 12, 1822

Hand-colored copperplate engraving

10 x 16.5 inches, image

11 x 17 inches, platemark

View of the interior courtyard of the second Royal Exchange in London. Groups of men in top hats and long coats — and a few women and children — stand conversing in the center. This view was published in 1822, the year after the new tower in the center had been erected. The first Royal Exchange was built by Sir Thomas Gresham in the 16th century as a space where merchants and tradespeople could meet in an open courtyard and conduct business. The original building burned down in the 17th century and a new exchange was built. It is this second building that is shown here. In 1838, this building was destroyed by fire, and the third Royal Exchange was eventually built according to a different plan at a different site.

Trimmed to plate mark. Large clean tear into image backed with tesa (no loss). Minor edge wear.