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Item 78: Engraving titled “Wilkes-Barre, Vale of Wyoming,” by James Tibbits Wilmore [after] by William Henry Bartlett, [1840]

 Item — Box: 21, Folder: 78

Dates

  • Created: [1840]

Creator

Access:

All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.

Extent

1 items

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Type of Material:

Print

Condition Note:

Excellent

Measurements:

7 ¾ in. x 5 ¼ in. (closed); 15 ½ in. x 5 ¼ in. (open)

Title:

Wilkes-Barre, Vale of Wyoming

Description:

This is a print of some people outside Wilkes-Barre looking at the Susquehanna River. There is a boat riding along a canal. There is also what seems to be an earlier version of the Market Street Bridge in the distance. Wilkes-Barre is located in northeastern Pennsylvania in Luzerne county. It was founded in 1769 and re-incorporated as a city in 1869. The city’s rich coal mining history employed thousands of immigrants in the 19th century. The mining of anthracite coal was popular until the Knox Mine disaster that ultimately accelerated the collapse of the industry after World War II. The Wyoming Valley was originally inhabited by the Shawnee and Lenape Native Americans prior to its new settlement. According to Valley Views of Northeastern Pennsylvania by Gilbert S. McClintock, “The view is from a point north of the present site of the Luzerne County Court House.” This print was originally illustrated by William Henry Bartlett, later illustrated by Creswick Thomas, engraved by James Tibbits Willmore, and published by George Virtue. William Henry Bartlett, born March 26, 1809 in Kentish Town, London, was best known for his many drawings rendered into steel engravings. He was an apprentice to John Britton (1771-1857) and became one of the most foremost illustrators of topography in his generation. Bartlett traveled often leading him throughout Britain, the Balkans and Middle East in the 1840s, and to North America between 1836 and 1852. Making several trips to the United States during this time, he gathered sketches of scenery. He began in New York and visited Niagara Falls, much of New England and the mid-Atlantic region. From here he produced well-known renditions of many points of interest. His works are popular with the public and described as “charming” and what it felt to experience these wonders in the 1830s. Thomas Creswick was born February 5, 1811 in Sheffield, England, and was one of the most well known members of the Birmingham School of Landscapists. Creswick illustrated many landscapes throughout his life. He was educated at Hazelwood and father wasThomas Creswick and his mother was Mary Epworth. He died on December 28, 1869 James Tibbits Willmore was born in Birmingham in September 1800 and was a skilled British engraver. Many sources differ on the spelling of his middle name. He died in London on March 12, 1863. Born in 1794, George C. Virtue was a 19th-century publisher based in London. His firm was located on 26 Ivy Lane, Paternoster Row, and here he selected many accomplished artists and engravers. He also “produced books that were rarely surpassed in elegance and correctness for the period.” He died December 8, 1868.

The after Bartlett and date have been ascertained by a comparison with a restored manuscript on Vintage City Maps’ web page. There is also another item in the manuscript, item 21.79a, that bears the same image and creator, dated 1838.

Location:

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Transcription:

Cover: The Seasons Greetings Gilbert C. McClintock

On Item: WILKES-BARRE, VALE OF WYOMING

Repository Details

Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository

Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)