Old English colour prints

"Old English Colour-Prints" by Malcolm C. Salaman is a historical journey into the world of English colour printing during the 1700s and early 1800s. The book shines a light on the artistic value and invention that went into these prints. The collection, written in the early 20th century for art enthusiasts and historians, examines the change from simple black and white prints to the colorful designs that became popular in England. Salaman explores the important artists and methods that made this change happen, marking a shift in what people wanted in their art and homes. He talks about leading engravers, like Bartolozzi and Ryland, explaining how their new ideas and partnerships paradoxically reduced the desire for colour prints, even as they struggled to keep up with public demand for pretty and colorful images. The beginning of the book sets the stage to show art's connection to society and how beauty changed over time.