Leigh Harrison Hunt, M.D. 1858-1937.
The Royal Albert Bridge, Saltash. 1919. Etching and drypoint. 10 x 7 1/2 (sheet 12 1/4 x 9). Printed on cream wove paper. Fine condition apart from mat burn. A very rich impression, with atmospheric tonal wiping. Signed in pencil. $225.
The magnificent Royal Albert Bridge which Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806-1859) designed and built to carry the Cornwall Railway at a height of 100 feet across the waters of the River Tamar at Saltash, must surely be recognised as one of his most outstanding works. It's unique design and handsome proportions, set in an idyllic location between the hills of Devon and Cornwall, give an aura of grace and majesty all of its own. As the "Gateway to Cornwall" it forms a fitting and lasting memorial to this great Victorian engineer.
Leigh Harrison Hunt was a etcher, teacher, lithographer and medical doctor. He was also a pupil of Henry Ferrer. Hunt was born in Galena, Ill., and went to New York with his parents as a young boy. He graduated from the College of the City of New York in 1877, as valedictorian, and received medals in history, belles-lettres, mathematics, astronomy, philosophy and English. He was then appointed a tutor at City College and at the same time enrolled in the Bellevue Medical School to study anatomy as further preparation for his work in drawing. He was persuaded by his teachers to remain in medical school and finish his course because of his gift for the subject, and in 1880 he graduated with the degree of doctor of medicine. Dr. Hunt lectured frequently before classes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was active in etchers' societies. He was a member of the Society of American Etchers, Haden Etching Club ; Arti et Amicitae, Holland; Black and White Club.
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