‘Five hundred and forty-two copperplates’: Andrew Bell’s illustrations for the Encyclopaedia Britannica 1771-1797

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Andrew Bell (1725/6–1809) is best known as co-founder and co-publisher with Colin Macfarquhar of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, but he was also the sole provider of images for the earliest editions. These illustrations are an integral part of this publication. This article examines the plates for the early edition of the Encyclopaedia, considering them conceptually as an essential visual component of the publication, and logistically in terms of source material and places Bell in the context of the development of printmaking as an art form in Scotland in the eighteenth century.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationJournal of the Scottish Society for Art History
Subtitle of host publicationPrintmaking in Scotland
Place of PublicationEdinburgh
PublisherScottish Society for Art History
Pages7-15
Number of pages8
Volume22
Publication statusPublished - 9 Sept 2017
EventScottish Society for Art History Symposium 'Printmaking in Scotland' - Edinburgh Printmakers/Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: 3 Feb 20174 Feb 2017
https://edinburghprintmakers.co.uk/exhibition/printmaking-in-scotland

Conference

ConferenceScottish Society for Art History Symposium 'Printmaking in Scotland'
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityEdinburgh
Period3/02/174/02/17
Internet address

Keywords

  • Printmaking
  • Illustration
  • Scotland
  • Eighteenth century

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