Details: ROWLANDSON, Thomas (1756-1827). [ACKERMANN] A cut out model of Rudolph Ackermann's shop "The Repository of Arts". London: printed by Dobson & Crowther of Llangollen for Arthur Ackermann & Son Ltd, circa 1983. Size: 28 x 20 1/2".

A rare ephemeral item, produced to celebrate the bi-centenary of the founding of the famous London firm of book and print-sellers.

A fascinating model based on Thomas Rowlandson's views of Ackermann's shop in London. The views were originally published in 1809 in Ackermann's periodical work 'The Repository of Arts'. The text, by John Ford, states that "Rudolph Ackermann (1764-1834) began his career as a designer of carriages. By 1810 however his principal business had become the publication and sale of books with coloured plates and topographical, caricature, fashion and sporting prints. He called his gallery in the Strand 'The Repository of Arts' and in addition to his books and prints he sold watercolour drawings, portrait miniatures and busts, artists' materials and fancy papers and a variety of decorative items including Tunbridge ware, embroidered silks, fans and fire screens."

Ackerman's Repository had its own tea-room, and was patronized by ladies of fashion. In the 'Great Room' Ackermann held evening 'conversation', or lectures, during the London social season. Rudolph retired in 1830, but the Repository remained a popular social hot spot until it finally closed its doors in 1856. The Ackermann print selling and publishing business long outlived its founding father and remained in business until 1990. This rare model was made to celebrate the bi-centenary of this successful firm.

John Ford Ackermann 1783-1983 the business of art

Condition / Notes:

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