Probably dating from the Late Victorian or Early Edwardian times, this highly decorative chromolithograph depicts the evolution of transport. This item appears to have been a single page from a large book, just visible are some small holes on the left side of the illustration that are associated with binding and beneath the illustration is printed "Plate XI". Believed to be over 100 years old this item is in remarkably good condition. There is no fading, foxing, creasing or marking of any kind. To help maintain this, the print has been placed in a modern black picture frame which further protects the print and also sets off the vivid gold, red, blue and green colours. The print itself has a highly decorated margin with floral patterns and thirteen miniature portraits of unidentified dignitaries of the day. In the central panel are six miniature paintings which appear to show the evolution of transport during the Victorian Age. The first set of two are signed by the famous maritime artist W L Wyllie (1851-1931). Depicted is a wooden hulled, paddle steamer which paved the way for the more advanced and powerful, twin funnelled, metal hulled ship. The second set of two show a stage coach being pulled by four horses in the depths of winter which was surpassed by a speeding steam train. The last set of two, shows urban night scenes. In the earlier one, people are walking about, horses and carriages are in the road and all being illuminated by gaslight street lamps. In the later scene horses and carriages share the road with early motor cars, women riding bicycles and all illuminated by much brighter electric street lamps. A truly wonderful and historic item ideal for any transport or social historian, a collector of printed Victorian illustrations, as part of a Victorian themed room or display or even as an unique piece of original decorative art suitable for display in any room of the house.

Date: c.1890-1910
Publisher: Unknown

Dimensions (Frame): 33cm x 43cm