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History of Science Museum

Print (Baxter Process Colour Print) of 'The Newtonian System of the Universe', Printed by George Baxter, Drawn by Isaac Frost, Engraved by W.P Clubb, London, 1846

Inventory Number 97792


Acknowledgement: © History of Science Museum, University of Oxford, inv.97792

Item type
Object
Provenance
Presented by Frank Manasek in 2000.
Primary inscriptions
Plate 1. Drawn by Isaac Frost. Engraved by W.P.Clubb & Son. 1 Charterhouse St. The Newtonian System of the Universe. Printed in Oil Colors by G. Baxter Patentee, 11 Northampton Square.
Object type
Print
Dimensions
Height: 257mm Width: 320mm
Inventory No
97792
Accession Number
2000-8/6

Description

One of six Baxter prints, made using his special colour-printing technique. From Isaac Frost, Two systems of astronomy: first, the Newtonian system, second, the system in accordance with the holy Scriptures (London, 1846), plate 1.

Baxter's was the first commercially successful method of colour printing. The process, patented in 1835, was complicated, and involved a basic image made using combinations of established intaglio techniques (engraving, stipple engraving, aquatint, etc.) and multiple applications of colour from relief blocks (woodblocks), with hand finishing.