Code: 11575
Dimensions:
"THE CRICKET MATCH, between Sussex & Kent at Brighton"
After William Drummond (fl.c.1800-1849))
& Charles J Basébé (fl.1835-1879)
Etching & Mixed-Method Engraving on India Wove Paper
Engraved by George Henry Phillips (c.1800-1852)
Commissioned by W.H.G.Mason (1810-1879)
Published by E. Gambart & Co, 1849
Measures:-
Sheet: 75 cm high x 108 cm wide (approx.)
Framed: 88 cm high x 122 cm wide (approx.)
Provenance:-
Private Collection, Gloucestershire, U.K.
Together with:-
The very scarce lithographic print entitled "Key Plate to W.H.Mason's Drawing of a Cricket Match at Brighton, between the Counties of Sussex & Kent" / "Brighton, Published by W.H.Mason, Printseller & Publisher to the Queen, Repository of Arts, 81 King's Road" and "London, Ackermann & Co 96 Strand & Gambart & Co 25 Berners St."
A virtuoso example of large-format mixed-method engraving by G.H. Philips after an original painting by Basebe and Drummond. Well presented in an unvarnished Victorian dark-oak frame with a gilt slip and glazed with original ripple glass. Importantly, this imposing original impression of one of the most celebrated of early Victorian cricketing prints comes together with the original and highly-sought "key" to the image, describing the illustrious personages depicted on the pitch and in the foreground.
A very attractive and impressive print, presented in a completely authentic Victorian fashion, together with a framed 'key' to the image.
Lettered beneath the image with the title “THE CRICKET MATCH / between Sussex & Kent at Brighton” with the coat of arms Prince Albert, the Prince Consort and his motto "Treu und Fest" and the dedication line "This Plate is most respectfully dedicated by / special permission to H.R.H. Prince Albert/ by His Royal Highness's/ most devoted and most humble Servant W.H. Mason" and with the artist's and publisher's details "Painted by Wm. Drummond & Chas. Basébe / Published 1st May 1849 by E Gambart & Co, 26 Berners St, Oxford St, London - W.H. Mason, Repository of Arts, King's Road, Brighton".
The game of cricket is seen unfolding at the Park Crescent Cricket Ground in Brighton. St Nicholas' Cathedral is in the central background with the South Downs to the far left and Hudson's Mill to the far right. The pitch is ringed by a large crowd of spectators and with a more formally posed group of gentlemen and players in the foreground.
The match is an imagined scene, played near Brighton's St. Peter's Church. The view features portraits of famous cricketers and well-known "Patrons of the Noble Game of Cricket". The various portraits were taken by Basébe and Drummond over many years and "The Cricket Match" was eventually published in 1849. The rare 'key' which accompanies the print provides the names of sixty of those depicted on the pitch and in the foreground. Perhaps the most noted of these, from a historical cricketing perspective, are "N. Felix Esqre"; "R. Kynaston Esqre H.S. M.C.C."; "Mr. Wisden"; "Chas. G. Taylor Esqre"; "A. Mynn Esqre"; "Hon.Col. Lowther M.P."; "Lord Chas.Russell"; "Mr.Lillywhite"; "Mr. E. Wenman" and "Mr. Fuller Pilch".
See BM 1862,1217.235 or Lord's Museum 1849-05-01 for main engraving
See BM 2010,7081.7430 for the key
Literature:-
p.17 Richard Bouwman, "Glorious Innings: Treasures from the Melbourne Cricket Club" Melbourne, Hutchison Australia, 1987
Condition:-
Good condition. The main engraving with attractive toning and some spotting, commensurate with age. A closed tear in the top margin. Some inconspicuous worm holes. Frame good, some minor worm (treated). The key with usual yellowing, historic folds and associated tears.
