High Fashion

29/09/1855

Information

Miss Brown had much pleasure announcing to the 'Ladies of Peterborough and Neighbourhood' that she had returned from London with 'all the latest Novelties from Paris, in Embroidery, Collarets, Sleeves, Bugle and other Head-dresses with the Eugenie Falls and Barbes', promising that 'the new Selection will be arranged for inspection on Tuesday 2nd October, and during the forthcoming Fair'. (Peterborough Advertiser)

Taken from The Peterborough Book of Days by Brian Jones, The History Press, 2014.

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A Prospect of Peterborough

1731

Information

In the Eighteenth Century a popular purchase by the wealthy was of a view of the town or lands that they lived in. They were known as a prospect. In 1731 an engraving of Peterborough was created titled 'A South West Prospect of the City of Peterborough, In Northamptonshire.'

The View

The artwork was created by Nathaniel and Samuel Buck, two brothers from Yorkshire who specialised in topographical engravings. They created a series of interesting vistas of different areas across the country. The engraving is taken from a realistic view point, but the artist has created the scene. It includes features that cannot normally been viewed together or viewed in such fullness. It could be considered an early form of photoshopping. Some features can be found in contemporary maps and include the trees by the river and some of the buildings.

Features of the Prospect

Some of the most interesting features include Neville Place, St John's Church and the buildings near the bridge. There are no other pictures or photographs of these buildings at this time, so these are very valuable images. Peterborough Cathedral takes centre-stage in the picture and dominates the landscape. It is drawn in great detail and true to life, unlike other buildings that were drawn. This is likely to be because it is the most recognisable building in the city and the artist would be judged on how well they drew the cathedral.