| Method | Etching |
| Artist | Agostino Aglio |
| Published | Engd. by Aglio. Thos. Wilson & Sons, sc. 103. Cheapside, London [c.1850] |
| Dimensions | Image 105 x 165 mm, Plate 125 x 180 mm, Sheet 128 x 185 mm |
| Notes |
An exceptionally rare mid-nineteenth century advertisement for the Cowper House Lunatic Asylum in Old Brompton, featuring an etched view of some of the Asylum patients playing cricket in the grounds before the House, and on the verso, an engraved text block describing the facilities and ethos of the Asylum penned by the resident surgeon, Mr. Elliot. The etching shows the facade of the house, with the laurel walk running along the left side of the view. In the foreground, a group of men play cricket, supervised by the wardens, while spectators of both sexes can be seen seated on benches under the laurels. At the time of the advertisement, cricket was a popular and recommended pastime in the treatment of mental health issues, and many county asylums across the county featured playing fields and pavilions. Some even employed professional cricketers to act as coaches for their teams, which would sometimes play XIs from other asylums. On the verso, a lengthy advertisement reads: 'Cowper House Asylum, Old Brompton, Middlesex, One Mile from Hyde Park Corner. Established 1825, by Messrs. Symmons & Elliots, for the Care and Cure of Insane & Nervous Persons of both Sexes; conducted upon Moral and Medical principles. The Faculty and others are invited to view the Asylum and Grounds. This Establishment is always open to the visits of the Patients' Medical Attendants. Qualified Keepers & Nurses, to attend the Insane and Nervous at their residences, may be immediately obtained. A Carriage & Horses are kept for the use of the Patients { Terms, 52 to 350 Guineas Per Anm. A Shorter period in proportion. The Engraving represents a limited view of the Asylum & Grounds, comprising Eight Acres. In front of the House are two Lawns, with Laurel Walks, leading to the Meadows & beautiful Avenue of Lime Trees, 300 Yards in Length. On the right side are two distinctly enclosed Gardens, laid out exclusively for the Patients. Resident Surgeon, Mr. Elliot.' Agostino Aglio (1777-1857) was an Italian designer, engraver, painter, and architectural draughtsman. Born in Cremona, he travelled to London in 1803, where he spent the majority of the rest of his life, leading a varied but successful career which included painting frescoes for the Church of St Mary Moorfields, engraving plates for William Wilkins' Antiquities of Magna Graecia, producing drawings for the Antiquities of Mexico, one of the pioneering nineteenth century studies of Pre-Columbian art, designing interior decorative elements for stately homes, and even painting a popular full length portrait of the young Queen Victoria. Condition: Trimmed close to plate mark on all sides. Minor time toning and creasing to margins. Old adhesive staining to verso. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £150.00 |
| Stock ID | 52937 |