John Bastin archive

The collection comprises proofs for book illustrations engraved on wood by John Bastin. Most of the engravings are India paper proofs, some with manuscript notes, signatures and corrections. The contents include works after the original designs by the foremost book illustrators of the 1840s and 1850s, including Edward Lear (13 prints), John Tenniel (23), J. Bridges, J. Naysmith, F. Pollard, C. Ward, and G.F. Sargent.

Also included in the group are a few proofs for De La Motte Fouqué's illustrated English edition of Undine after drawings by Tenniel. For this work, the Art Union (1847) described Bastin as "one of the best wood engravers of our time, whose productions comprise high finish with artistic skill and matured judgement." Of particular interest are the corrections and notes (in graphite) on some of the proofs. One wood engraving, for example, has the Alpine scenery partly highlighted in white and carries several annotations, such as "this rock is too formal." Other engravings include a number produced for a Great Exhibition publication illustrating glass, ceramic, and metal vases and ornaments.