Engraved in steel

Craigie enthusiasts Marian Bassett, Mayrian Edwards, Jim Murray and Courier columnist Angus Whitson have all been in touch following a plea for information about an ancient picture reproduced on this page last week that showed a sketch of Dundee as viewed from Fife.

Marie says it took her “all of half a minute to find the answer to that query”, and goes on to report that she ascertained from the website of an international online antiquarian bookseller that the print in question dated from around 1840.

Meanwhile, Ms Edwards declares: “I also have copy of this print along with another print titled Entrance To The Port Of Dundee by the same artist.

“The print of Dundee From The Opposite Side Of The Tay has the name WH Bartlett printed in the bottom left corner and the name C Richardson in the bottom right.

“The print Entrance To The Port of Dundee also has WH Bartlett bottom left but has E Benjamin bottom right. By the power of Google I deduce that the artist is William Henry Bartlett, 1809-54, renowned for numerous steel engravings.”

For his part, Jim reckons he can further narrow down the archaic work’s age.

He emails: “I have an original print of this picture. The information I have is that it is a steel engraving by C Richardson of a painting by WH Bartlett and dated circa 1842. I hope this is helpful.”

Thanks go to all three, and to Mr Whitson, who writes: “The drawing puts me in mind of artist Henrietta Ouchterlony, 1762-1853. The style is reminiscent of a drawing of hers I have of Montrose Harbour.”