Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2010.6 |
Object Name |
Engraving |
Title |
View of the Dam and Water Works at Fairmount, Philadelphia |
Artist |
Birch, Thomas |
Artist 2 |
Campbell, R. |
Date |
1820s |
Description |
Panoramic engraving showing waterworks buildings, dam and locks, and riverbanks. In the center foreground is a white steamboat on the river, with a cabin and awning on its upper deck and two paddle wheels at the stern and with dark smoke billowing out. On the left is the lock with grass and dirt land directly to the left of that. The waterworks buildings are on the right side, set behind the Schuylkill River. In the background are green hills, adorned by trees and a couple of buildings. A blue sky and large clouds are present. "Drawn by T. Birch" on bottom left. "Engraved by R. Campbell" on bottom right. |
Label |
The Fairmount Waterworks was an iconic landmark and tourist destination in nineteenth-century Philadelphia. Conceived by Frederic Graff, a former assistant to architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the Waterworks combined technological achievement with an aesthetically pleasing design. In 1822, pumping engines powered by waterwheels replaced the previous dangerous and inefficient steam engines at the Fairmount site, providing the city with safe, drinkable water from the Schuylkill River. The old Engine House became a restaurant to accommodate the multitude of tourists who visited the site. Celebrated as a prime example of the blending of nature and technology, the Waterworks was depicted frequently in paintings, drawings, prints, and even on porcelain. This image by Thomas Birch was widely reproduced. Birch learned painting and printmaking from his father, William Russell Birch. The younger Birch was known for his battle scenes of the War of 1812 and his pictures of the Schuylkill River. His 1821 oil painting of this view (now at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts), was altered sometime after 1835 to include the gazebo at the edge of the dam. Adolph G. Rosengarten probably donated this drawing to the APS in the mid-20th century. He gave more than 200 items to the Society, including many images of the city. |
Medium |
Engraving |
Dimensions |
H-8 W-15.25 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
19th century nineteenth century landscape Philadelphia |