Vol. I: [T.p., dedic.] - Preface - List of Subscribers To Finden's Royal Gallery of British Art - Table Of Contents. Vol. I. - [Plates, with explanatory texts]. - Vol. II: [T.p.] - Table Of Contents. Vol. II. - [Plates, with explanatory texts]. - This work was also issued in a one-volume format.
Responsibility Note
All plates carry the name of the source-artist and engraver. The engravers were W. Humphrys, E. Finden, W.R. Smith, E.J. Portbury, Ed. Smith, C. Rolls, J.T. Willmore, F. Bacon, J.B. Allen, W. Miller, S. Sangster, Lumb. Stocks, W. Finden, S. Fisher, H.C. Shenton, R. Hatfield, E. Goodall, W.T. Roden, J.W. Appleton, J. Goodyaer, W. Greatbach, G.T. Doo, J. Outrim, John Pye, R. Wallis, P. Lightfoot, J. Cousen, C.W. Sharpe. The in-text illustration (in the texts accompanying pl. [14]) is unsigned.
Each plate carries the publisher's imprint - usually that of J. Hogarth; in some cases that of T.G. March, or of 'the Proprietors'. Many carry the name of the printer - McQueen, or Horwood & Watkins.
The work is dedicated to Queen Victoria by E. and W. Finden and J. Hogarth.
References
B. Hunnisett, Illustrated dictionary of British steel engravers (1989).
Summary Note
The work was published serially. All plates carry publication dates, ranging from 1840 August (pl. [25]) to 1851 May 31 (pl. [28, 47, 48]). The work was also issued in a one-volume format.
The plates show paintings by J. Reynolds, T. Gainsborough, D. Wilkie, G.S. Newton, J. Constable, W. Hilton, C.L. Eastlake, C.R. Leslie, W. Linton, A.W. Callcott, C. Stanfield, J.M.W. Turner, G. Jones, T. Uwins, W. Collins, Penry Williams, E. Landseer, D. Cowper, W.F. Witherington, C.R. Leslie, A. Cooper, F.R. Lee, F. Danby, A.E. Chalon, D. Maclise, A. Fraser, W. Etty, D. Roberts, R. Redgrave, W. Mulready, T. Webster, C. Landseer and J. Linnell.
The Table of Contents lists not only the titles, source-artists and engravers of the works, but also the names of their owners. The Preface draws attention to the Royal Academy's interest in, and approval of, the project.
Binding Note
19th-century half red morocco, red cloth-covered boards; gilt-decorated spine, lettered 'Royal Gallery Of British Art Vol. I. (II.) R.A.'
Subject
Paintings, British
Pictorial works - Great Britain - 19th century