Dibdin

05844 — London: Cockrem Elliott and Barrett; R. Ackermann and Co. ca. 1841. Six Fine Hand-Colored Lithographed Views of Torquay and Babbicombe<br /> <br /> DIBDIN Thomas Coleman. Vivian Edward. Scenery of Torquay and Babbicombe. London: Cockrem Elliott and Barrett; R. Ackermann and Co. ca. 1841.<br /> <br /> First edition. This copy issued without title-page and five text leaves. Oblong folio 12 5/8 x 17 1/2 inches; 321 x 444 mm. Six fine hand colored plates on thick card drawn by T.C. Dibdin from a sketch by Edward Vivian Esquire lithographed on stone by W. Gauchi and printed by M. & N. Hanhart all with tissue guards. Plate image size 8 x 11 3/4 inches; 203 x 298 mm. Plates lightly foxed mainly in blank margins. An excellent example <br /> <br /> Publisher's maroon roan backed limp brown pebble-grained cloth front cover lettered in gilt "Environs of Torquay" same as the Abbey copy. Spine a little worn at extremities. Housed in a brown buckram clamshell case front panel with black morocco label lettered in gilt "Dibdin / Environs of Torquay / 1841".<br /> <br /> Abbey Scenery 332 calls for five plates only; Our copy has "Torquay from the summit of Park Hill" lithographed by Day & Haghe after E. Vivian bound as plate number five.<br /> <br /> Rare: We have been unable to trace any other copies.<br /> <br /> Thomas Robert Colman Dibdin 1810-1893 was an English water color artist and teacher. He became an artist at the age of 28 and traveled to France Germany and Belgium. He also did paintings in Gibraltar and India although the latter were created in England based on detailed sketches. In 1845 he published a guide to water color painting.<br /> <br /> Edward Vivian 1808-1893 was an influential figure in the development of Torquay particularly noted for his extensive contributions to the town's social and educational institutions. Born in 1808 Vivian was educated at Oxford University where he developed a broad range of interests and skills. His first encounter with Torquay occurred during a sailing trip along the coasts of Wales and Devon a discovery that ultimately led him to settle in the town.<br /> <br /> Vivian's dedication to enhancing the lives of the working classes was a driving force behind his involvement in numerous local initiatives. As the first treasurer of the Torquay Museum Society he played a pivotal role in its establishment and growth. His work Scenery of Torquay and Babbicombe published around 1841 featured five hand-colored lithographs and depicted the picturesque landscapes of Torquay and Babbicombe reflecting his artistic talents and his appreciation for the area's natural beauty.<br /> <br /> Vivian was also an avid sportsman horticulturist photographer artist and illustrator. These interests were not only personal hobbies but also areas in which he sought to engage and elevate the community. His artistic skills in particular are well represented in the Torquay Museum's collections showcasing his ability to capture and convey the beauty of his surroundings.<br /> <br /> Edward Vivian's multifaceted contributions to Torquay left a lasting legacy cementing his reputation as a great Victorian polymath whose work significantly impacted the moral and intellectual upliftment of the local working classes. His diverse skills and relentless dedication to social improvement continue to be celebrated through the institutions and collections that thrive in Torquay today.<br /> <br /> The Plates:<br /> <br /> 1. Tor Church<br /> 2. Torbay from Tor Abbey Sands<br /> 3. Torquay from Waldron Hill<br /> 4. Torquay from Park Hill<br /> 5. Torquay from the summit of Park Hill lithographed by Day & Haghe<br /> 6. Babbicombe from Petit Tor<br /> <br /> Abbey Scenery 332; Bobins IV 1427. London: Cockrem, Elliott, and Barrett; R. Ackermann and Co., ca. 1841 unknown