Francis Nicholson O.W.S. (1753-1844) - Chester

This important early drawing of the city of Chester by Nicholson shows Chester Castle and also Skinner's Yard. The River Dee is flowing in the foreground with a bustle of activity with a limekiln also on display. This work clearly was used for the engraving of the same subject that was published in 1821 by Rowney and Forster. The watercolour held by the Grosvenor Museum in Chester differs slightly from the drawing and also the engraving but offers a further level of detail through using colour.  The museum's work is dated 1820 this is likely to be the same date for the pencil drawing.
 
Medium: Pencil on paper.
 
Inscribed towards the bottom of the picture 'Chester', 24 x 34 cm, framed with inscription on mount.
 
Provenance: Labels from previous sale (probably Christie's or Sotheby's) as Lot 12. This work was used for an engraving series by Nicholson in 1821 (see photos) and there is also a completed watercolour by the artist in the Grosvenor Museum in Chester (see photos).
 
Condition report: Some discolouration and also sporadic foxing marks.