Vintage Engraving The Free School, Norwich circa 1900's

Vintage or old finds. Revamped items from our hunting and collecting around Bay of Plenty. All items are found vintage, old and re-loved. Imperfections are part of their beauty and embraced. 

Beautiful old engraving in original aged condition and frame

Engraved by T Barber from a sketch by T Higham. Title reads "The Free School, Norwich, Norfolk"

The Artists and Their Era

T. Barber and T. Higham: Both were active in the early 19th century—the height of the "golden age" of steel and copperplate engraving in Britain. They were prolific contributors to the illustrated topographical books of the time, such as the Excursions series or various county histories.

The Collaboration: It was common practice for a talented sketch artist (in this case, T. Higham) to travel the country recording landscapes and buildings, and then for a specialist engraver (T. Barber) to translate those sketches onto metal plates so they could be mass-produced for books or collectors.

The Subject "The Free School, Norwich"

In the context of 19th-century Norfolk, "The Free School" was a common name for grammar schools or charitable educational foundations.

In Norwich specifically, this most likely refers to the historic Norwich School (founded in 1096 and refounded as King Edward VI Grammar School in 1547). It was frequently referred to as "The Free School" because of its historical mandate to provide education to local citizens

Dimensions approx: 22cm height x 22cm width