This is an early work by the celebrated Scottish printmaker, Sir David Young Cameron (1865 - 1945).
Sir David Young Cameron is regarded as one of the great masters of landscape and architectural etching and was considered a leading light in the British ‘Etching Revival’. Over his 45 year career as a printmaker, from 1887 to 1932, he produced over 500 etchings and drypoints. His works can be found in museum collections worldwide including the Tate Gallery, British Museum, National Gallery of Scotland, National Gallery of Canada, and Art Institute of Chicago.
This print was made in 1899 and published in 1900 by Richard Gutekunst as "The London Set". There were a total of 35 sets published and in addition a few impressions of each subject for individual sale. The spare impressions were printed by the artist at Messrs Brooker's in London.
This print shows the gate to Newgate Prison and was number eleven in the London Set. The first state of the etching had a large figure in the foreground to the left-hand side - this was subsequently burnished out on the copper plate by the artist. This impression is State III (and final state) of the etching.
This work shows the Debtor's Door to Old Newgate Prison in London.
Newgate Prison was located on Newgate Street in the City of London, on the site where the famous court, The Old Bailey, now stands. The prison was notorious for its appalling, overcrowded, cruel and unsanitary conditions. It housed a range of prisoners, including men, women and children, from those convicted of minor offenders to those awaiting execution.
This is an original pencil signed impression by DY Cameron. This was later issued as a reproductive photogravure and included in the publication, Masters of Modern Etching. It is reproduced as Plate One - in this book.
My etching and drypoint is in the Rinder Catalogue Raisonne as No. 300.
Cameron's works were keenly collected by print connoisseurs in the States. An impression of this work is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
With such a small print run - and many going to the States, it is now difficult to find an original pencil-signed issue of this fine etching.
It will be sent to you in the UK with Royal Mail Special Next Day Recorded Post. This will be applied to your order at the checkout. Please get in touch if you are interested in it being posted outside of the UK.