Friday 14 September 2012

John Fairburn: a Regency-era publisher and printer

Until December, Bishopsgate Library is hosting a small exhibition of the output of Regency-era London printer-publisher John Fairburn, curated by Dr Ruth Richardson FRHistS. The display is accompanied by an online exhibition which is available on the Bishopsgate website at http://www.bishopsgate.org.uk/gallery_album.aspx?albumid=34.

Most of  Fairburn's output took the form of topical caricatures and cheap chapbooks, ephemeral items easily damaged or destroyed. Bishopsgate Institute houses a number of these now very rare items. Fairburn also published some quite radical materials, although he managed to steer clear of the repressive governments of the Regency and George IV. His output now provides a fascinating insight into the social and political life of Regency Britain.

1 comment:

  1. I found 4 small original prints from 1794 to 1797. All are hunting scenes with different prey fox, hare, pigeon and stag. All say Published (date) by John Fairburn No146 Minories, London. Are they worth anything?

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