[Richards, Edward Smallwood] 1834-1917 :The Atheneum & Mechanics' Institute. Wellington, New Zealand / [Based on a photograph by E. S. Richards? Engraved by J. H. Marriott? London? Swan and Wrigglesworth, printer? ca 1864].

Shows the front of a single-storey Classical-style building with columned entrance porch flanked by arched windows, and wings with a rectangular window in each. Men stand about outside the front railings, one at the right standing beside a horse.

Probably one of four such letterhead engravings commissioned (and possibly engraved) by Wellington engraver and stationer, J. H. Marriott, probably in late 1863. By 28 May 1864, the New Zealand Spectator, (P. 2f) was reporting that 'Mr J. H. Marriott ... has had photographs executed of the Odd Fellows Hall, Mechanics Institute, Supreme Court and Government Buildings which have been engraved in England and afterwards printed on letter-paper, a large assortment of which Mr Marriott has recently received ...'

The (partial) letter on which the engraving appears is signed Robert A. Strang

Shows Wellington's earlier Athenaeum building, on Lambton Quay, on the seaward side. It was replaced in the 1870s with a building with a tower on the landward side of Lambton Quay, alongside Plimmer's Steps

Other Titles - Athenaeum

Quantity: 1 b&w art print(s) on letterhead..

Physical Description: Engraving, approx. 80 x 95 mm, on page of handwriting 207 x 137 mm.