In his Preface Lonsdale states, 'Of the photographic negatives, seven were taken by Mr. Scott, of Carlisle; the Eldon and Stowell by Messrs. Hill and Saunders, of Oxford; the Outcasts by Mr. Carrick, of Regent Circus; and the Sarpedon, Flaxman, and City Frieze, by Mr. Ayling, Oxford Street, London, who printed and mounted the whole series.'
He also states that the in-text woodcuts were 'selected from Watson's sketches' (the last is signed, 'M.L. Watson') and 'rendered by W.J. Linton.'
The printer is named on the title-page verso and in the colophon: 'London: R(ichard). Clay, Son, And Taylor, Printers.'
The work is dedicated by Henry Lonsdale to George Gill Mounsey.
References
The context is described in B. Read, Victorian sculpture (1982).
Summary Note
The twelve unnumbered plates are mounted photographs. They are uncaptioned, but show a portrait of Watson and eleven of his works and are listed under 'Photographic Illustrations' as: [1] Medallion portrait of Watson; [2] Jolly Friars; [3] Chaucer; [4] Outcasts; [5] Sarpedon; [6] City Frieze; [7] Eldon and Stowell Monument; [8] Cameron Monument; [9] The Sweep; [10] Flaxman Statue; [11] Man's First Sacrifice; [12] Lucifer and Cain. Watson's most celebrated work - the posthumously-completed bronze relief of The Battle of St Vincent, at the foot of the Nelson Column, Trafalgar Square - is not shown.
The in-text illustrations (chapter tailpieces) are stated in the Preface to be woodcuts showing a selection of Watson's sketches.
Binding Note
19th-century brown cloth-covered boards, upper cover having gilt-stamped borders, lower cover borders stamped in blind; spine lettered 'Life & Works Of M.L. Watson Sculptor By Dr. Lonsdale.' The rear pastedown carries a printed label reading 'Bound By Leighton Son And Hodge'.
Sculptors - Artists - Sculpture - Statues - Monuments - Public sculpture - Great Britain - History - 19th century
Biography - Art history - Great Britain - 19th century
Pictorial works - Photographs - Photomechanical prints - Great Britain - 19th century