SPRINGFIELD ILLUSTRATED. :Photolithographs by James Dwyer Gill, early Publisher and Art Dealer in Springfield, Massachusetts.

A portfolio of 31 photolithograph plates (of 32 - lacking the last plate), each with a 6.5x8.5 inch image printed on a 11x14 heavy-stock sheet, and each with a protective tissue guard. Below each photolithograph image is printed "JAMES D. GILL. SPRINGFIELD, MASS." on the left side, and "LINOTYPE PRINTING CO., NEW YORK." on the right side. Someone (perhaps James Gill) has hand numbered each plate at the bottom right corner. In addition to the 31 photolithographs there are two introductory text sheets: a Preface sheet and an Index sheet. The plates are loose as issued and are held between a front and a rear cloth covered board. The boards' original string ties are lacking.

Condition: The boards holding the plates have spotting and wear, and are lacking their ties (as noted above), but are original and the gilt on the front board is bright. The two prelim text sheets have edge chips, a few small spots, and one has a two inch closed tear at the top. The 31 lithograph sheets are solid with just a bit of edgewear and a spot here and there (one has a small edge chip) All the sheets are lightly age toned, as normal. A few of the tissue guards are creased and one has tears and is laid-on loose. Most important, the IMAGES OF SPRINGFIELD ARE ALL LOVELY, clean, sharp and clear.

From the Preface sheet:

"This portfolio of thirty-two views [was] taken in the city of Springfield. // In preparation and execution of this work great care has been taken to have it of such excellence as to deserve the unqualified approbation of the most critical. // Judicious selections of subjects were made, embracing singly or in agreeable groups many of the important buildings and points of interest of the locality. The aim being to produce a series of views in every way reliable, whether in respect to fidelity of portraiture, artistic arrangements, or quality of finish. The aim I believe has been obtained. // "Springfield Illustrated" is published to meet a demand for local views of much higher order of artistic merit than have heretofore appeared. The process is that of Photolithotype... // Respectfully, James D. Gill, 1882."

RARE. Copies hardly ever show up for sale. OCLC only lists two holdings, one at the State Library of Massachusetts, and one at the Western Reserve Historical Society Library.

About JAMES DWYER GILL (from the Smithsonian Institution and Frick Collection websites):

******James Dwyer Gill, b.1849 d.1937, was a Springfield, Massachusetts, art dealer, collector, stationer, bookseller, and publisher. He was one of the first dealers to specialize in American art and sold paintings, engravings and photographs. He exhibited work by, among others, Col. James Fairman, Frederick E. Church, James M. Hart, Walter Shirlaw, Edgar M. Ward, J. G. Brown, A. F. Bellows, A. H. Wyant, M. F. H de Haas, Winslow Homer, F. A Bridgman, and George Inness.

He published a number of city "view" books, the most notable being that of his home town, Springfield, Massachusetts, titled: "Springfield, Illustrated", published in 1882.******

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS PLEASE NOTE: This portfolio of plates will require additional shipping charges. After placing your order you will be notified of the charges and be able to accept or reject them before payment is taken. Thanks!