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This engraving, titled View of London and Westminster from Mr. Watson’s Summer House, is one of five detailed views forming part of the Buck brothers’ panoramic prospect of London. Published on September 11th, 1749, this print is an extraordinary example of mid-18th-century topographical art.
The present sheet extends from Whitehall on the left to Somerset House on the right, with the ruins of the Savoy Palace visible on the Thames.
The full panorama was drawn from multiple vantage points along the River Thames and offers an expansive view of the city, blending together Westminster Bridge and London Bridge, extending downstream to the Tower of London. Unlike earlier panoramas by artists such as Wenceslaus Hollar and Jan Kip, which took liberties with artistic license to enhance the cityscape, the Bucks' work presents a faithful and precise portrayal of London, capturing the rapid urban development of the time.
The Buck Brothers
Samuel and Nathaniel Buck were among the most prominent topographical artists in 18th-century England, known for their detailed views of towns, cities, and ancient landmarks across the country. Beginning in 1720, the brothers undertook a series of tours throughout England, documenting its castles, monasteries, and urban centers. This project culminated in the creation of this grand prospect of London, which was offered to subscribers in 1746. Initially planned to span four sheets, the panoramic view eventually covered five sheets due to the overwhelming detail and scale of the project. The brothers financed their ambitious work through subscriptions, which were announced in The London Gazette, with a cost of 5 shillings in advance and 10 shillings upon delivery.
![[View of London, etc.] Abilltung wie königliche Maistät in Engelandt Die Artickel Dess Spanischen Heyraths Jur: Bekreftiget Anno 1623](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/90777.jpg)
![(London) [Eyewitness Watercolor Drawing of the Burning of Her Majesty's Theatre, Covent Garden, on December 6, 1867.]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/90852.jpg)
