BIRMINGHAM Pictorial Map as imagined 1730, Bernard Sleigh 1923

This is a charming piece by renowned illustrator and wood engraver Bernard Sleigh, himself a native of Birmingham. It is a beautiful creation of Bernard's mind in which contemporary records of 1730s Birmingham are brought to life in this warm and vibrant work. Sleigh was himself a student of Birmingham's School of Art and he used his talents to the full in this 1923 rendition of his own home city. It depicts a then town in the 18th Century showing the glimmers of Birmingham that was to become the "Workshop of the World". It shows the "steele" houses of both Carlesse and Kettel's. Social history is captured in the Old Workhouse on Lower Lichfield Lane. It tells of a vibrant, bustling town with its corn market, market cross, old cross and beast market. And yet clearly husbandry and agriculture play a key role on the tranquil banks of the River Rea.

This piece has been digitally cleaned in order to remove blemishes and most signs of ageing but keeps the look, feel and integrity of the original.

A classic work that creates a centrepiece for any home and would look stunning framed (as in the illustration above). This print is produced on premium heavyweight 180 gsm paper and uses the finest quality inks that will not fade or smudge.

This is a masterpiece of its kind and is a highly sought after work.

Features:
• A charmingly detailed and quaint map of 1730 Birmingham
• The churches of St Martins and St Philips (that would become the cathedral)
• 10 observations and anecdotes adding their own contribution to the story
• A clean, crisp digitally cleaned print
• Surrounded by a decorative border incorporating the coats of arms of distinguished residents