A View in the Garden of William Aislabie at Studley in Yorkshire

Published in London 1773 for R. Goadby, J. Towers in Fore Street near Cripplegate.

Size is about 12.5 x 20 cm (5 x 8 inches)

John Aislabie inherited the Studley estate in 1693. A socially and politically ambitious man, he first became the Tory Member of Parliament for Ripon in 1695 and in 1718 became Chancellor of the Exchequer. In 1720 disaster struck. Aislabie was a principal sponsor of the South Sea Company scheme, the bill for which was promoted by him personally. After this vast financial operation collapsed (the South Sea Bubble), he was expelled from Parliament and disqualified for life from public office. Aislabie returned to Yorkshire and devoted himself to the creation of the garden he had begun in 1718. After his death in 1742, his son William extended his scheme by purchasing the remains of the Abbey. He also extended the landscaped area in the picturesque romantic style, contrasting with the formality of his father's work. Between them, the two created what is arguably England's most important 18th century Water Garden.

This original antique print was produced from copper plate engraving process. Very good conditon for the age of this print.