London [Westminster Bridge and Abbey]

London: William Daniell, 1805. Hand-coloured aquatint, drawn and engraved Daniell. (Light surface wear just below title where plate number removed). A wonderful and very rare image 'splendidly drawn, quiet and restrained in...colouring, [which] stand[s] at the high-water mark of aquatint in England' (Hardie & Clayton)

This view is taken looking over the terrace at the Adelphi on the north bank of the river, across the river to the south west to Westminster Bridge, the Abbey and the old Houses of Parliament. 'After the publication of the Oriental Scenery William Daniell had clearly made up his mind that he would not be associated solely with India, and that his prowess as a draughtsman and as engraver in aquatint could well be employed for plates dealing with home scenery... in 1804-5, he made a start with a magnificent set of six views of London which show him at his very best as artist and engraver... These large views splendidly drawn, quiet and restrained in their colouring, stand at the high-water mark of aquatint in England' (Hardie & Clayton)

Cf. M.Hardie & M.Clayton 'Thomas Daniell... William Daniell' in Walker's Quarterly Nos.35-36, 1932, p.30; cf. T.Sutton The Daniells (1954) p.113.