William Byrne F.S.A. after Thomas Hearne F.S.A.

William Byrne F.S.A. (1743-1805), after Thomas Hearne F.S.A. (1744-1817)
"The Abbey Church at St Albans", 1802
Etching - First state before numbering
Framed
27.3 cm x 37.4 cm

Production details "Drawn by T. Hearne F.S.A. // London, Published as the Act directs Octr. 15 1802 by W. Byrne No 79 Titchfield Street // Engraved by W. Byrne F.S.A."

Lettered with title and dedication below the image "To the Right Hon.ble Earl Spencer, High Steward of St Albans / This view of the ABBEY CHURCH at ST ALBANS, is inscribed / By his LORDSHIP'S most obedient humble Servant, WILLIAM BYRNE".

A scarce view of St. Albans Cathedral seen from the side, a waterway with a bridge amongst trees in the foreground, with figures travelling along a path to one side and a horse and cart beyond. The image appeared in the numbered Second State as Plate 24 in Volume II of Hearne & Byrne's "Antiquities of Great Britain illustrated in views of Monasteries, Castles, and Churches" (London, 1807).

In nice "country house" condition, with some foxing and a stain top right. Good broad margins. Currently presented unmounted but framed within an attractive vintage Hogarth frame by "Cherry & Co" of St Albans.

The British Museum only holds copies of the Numbered Second State of this print with numbering "Vol.II.No.24." to the top right, above the image (see BM 1927,1126.1.29.47 and BM 1981,U.969).