This is a fine original pencil signed etching by Hedley Fitton (1859 - 1929). It was made in the early 20th century, c 1910.
This amazingly detailed and atmospheric etching shows the old Canongate Tolbooth at the foot of the Royal Mile. It is a large work with a plate mark measuring 48 x 32.2 cm. The mount size is 68.5 x 50 cm.
This is a view of the Tolbooth and the crumbling architecture of the Royal Mile would have much appealed to Fitton. He has certainly captured the grandeur of the old clock tower and his addition of all the little figures in the foreground increases the sense of scale of the building. Personally, I think that this (along with the Prentice Pillar in Rosslyn Chapel) is one of his finest etchings. His attention to detail is so meticulous.
The Canongate Tolbooth was built in 1591 and would have originally formed the local hub for the Burgh of Canongate. It would have had many functions, serving as a courthouse, burgh jail, and meeting place of the town council. During the 17th century, many captured Covenanters were held in the Tolbooth, accused of treason. Today the Tolbooth is open as a museum, the ‘People’s Story’, telling the history of ordinary Edinburgh folk over hundreds of years.
This large and finely delineated etching and drypoint is from a limited edition of only 100 impressions. It is signed in pencil lower right.
There is another impression of this in the collection of the National Gallery of Scotland. This print comes from my own personal collection. I had it hanging in my house for many years and never failed to enjoy looking at it.
It is in lovely fresh condition. I am selling it un-framed so that I can send it to you easily and safely - but it has a new fresh window mount on it so it is all ready for you to just fit as sold into a frame moulding.
There are no condition issues with this etching - and all the dark drypoint areas are nice and sooty in tone suggesting an early impression taken from the plate.
HISTORY; Hedley Fitton was born in 1859 in Manchester, England. During the early part of his life, he worked as an editor and illustrator for The Daily Chronicle in his hometown of Manchester. His work was exhibited at the Royal Academy, London, the Royal Society of Painter, Etches and Engravers, the Royal Watercolour Association, and at the Paris Salon. In 1907, he was awarded a Gold Medal for his work by the Societe des Artistes Francais.
Fitton specialized in architectural etchings and these were always full of meticulous attention to detail. The subjects are crumbling buildings, historic street scenes, and iconic buildings - his subjects are found in London, Florence, Edinburgh, and Paris.
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