March of Intellect.

An excellent example in contemporary hand-colour of this satire on the pace of technological and social change from William Heath's (d.1840) celebrated March of Intellect series.

Topics include Goldsworthy Gurney's steam-carriage, which made the journey from London to Bath and back at an average speed of fourteen miles per hour, penal transportation and emigration, Hobhouse's Select Hobhouse's Select Vestry Bill, and the extravagant reconstruction of Buckingham House, the spiralling costs of which led to the removal of the architect John Nash in 1829.

The work can be ascribed and dated through the use of the John Liston/Paul Pry device, which appears in the bottom left corner of the etched border, and was used by Heath to sign his works until he was forced to abandon the device owing to plagiarism concerns in 1829 (ODNB).

First edition; oblong folio (sheet size: 30.5 x 43 cm); etching with contemporary hand-colouring on wove paper without watermark, slight damp-staining and spotting, tear with minor loss to upper margin not affecting design.

BM Satires 15779.