William Birch (1755-1834). “View in Third Street, from Spruce Street Philadelphia.” From The City of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia: William Birch, [1799]-1800. First edition. Approx. 9 x 11 ½ (image). Engraving. Time toned. Acidic top map. White acid free bottom mat. Not examined out of frame. Sold as is. Print is in need of professional paper conservation which will make it more visually appealing and increase its value. A/A
When issued in 1800, William Birch’s prints of Philadelphia formed the first series of views of any American city. As the first comprehensive picture of an American city, illustrating its buildings and street life, this work is of great historical importance. The superior quality of the work is evidenced in its scope of conception, the artistic excellence of the prints, and their fine execution. The prints provide a unique visual record of Philadelphia at a time when it was the most important and cosmopolitan city in the western hemisphere, and for a time was the capital of the newly formed United States. Each print shows a scene of the vibrant city, with Birch focusing on the sophistication of the inhabitants and the stateliness of the buildings. The homes and public buildings provide a dignified backdrop for the bustling activity that characterized Philadelphia, thus presenting both a physical picture of the city and a feel for its texture and vitality.
The project of producing this series was carried out entirely in Philadelphia, and while many other individuals had a role, including Birch’s son Thomas who provided many of the original drawings, the prints were mostly the product of the efforts of William Birch. Not only did he conceive and plan the project, but he also drew many of the scenes and did much of the engraving and publishing. The first publication of the prints was in 1800, with 27 plates issued, engraved by S. Seymour. Many of these plates appeared in later editions, but with Birch’s concern of giving an up-to-date portrait of the city, they were always modified to reflect any changes. The first edition was a success, its subscription list numbering 156, including Thomas Jefferson, and this prompted a second edition that was issued in 1804. The second edition contained one completely new plate, six revised plates, and thirteen modified plates. These were engraved and published by Birch. A final edition with eleven modified plates and three new plates appeared in 1827-1828, again engraved and published by Birch.
Other prints by William Birch:
Library & Surgeons Hall, 5th St Philadelphia
Theatre in Chesnut [sic] Street Philadelphia
Destroy'd by Fire in 1820. The Late Theatre in Chestnut Street ...
New Theatre in Chesnut [sic] Street Philadelphia
The New Theatre in Chestnut Street Philadelphia Built 1822. Taken down 1856...
Girard's Bank, late the Bank of the United States ...
Philadelphia Bank in Fourth Street Philadelphia
Arch Street, with the Second Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia
New Market, in South Second Street Philadelphia
Back of the State House, Philadelphia
Second Street North from Market St. with Christ Church Philadelphia
High Street, with the First Presbyterian Church. Taken down in 1820. Philadelphia
An Unfinished House, in Chestnut Street Philadelphia
The Water Works in Centre Square Philadelphia
Landsdown, the Seat of the late Wm. Bingham, Esq. ...
Bath, Near Bristol, Pennsylvania