, (0 " 5? o « '/> : 3 !r 'X 6 , 2^ -c o u " 'cs— — * a .H 5 A ^ a ■ - . 5 fe S 0^ EXCAVATIONS IN HEECULANEUM. (From H. W. in the Athenitum.) Naples, Eeb. 10, 1869,-1 have moat interesting intelligence to communicate. On Monday last the King paid an nnexiiected visit to Herculaneum, and made arrangements for the immediate commence- ment or recommencement of the excavations of that rich treasury of antique art. His Majesty was ac- companied by his Ministers, and by the Commenda- tore Fiorelli, who has so long and so ably directed the excavations of Southern Italy, and who is now reorganising the Museum in such a way as to render it one of the most precious monuments of Italy. Of course the subterranean theatre was brilliantly lit ; but the attention of the King ^as directed princi- pally to what has been long a desideratum, the disin- terment of treasures of incalculable value. You will remember that several years since I announced that ail difficulties had been surmounted, and that only the completion of the formalities by the appro- priation of some garden was needed to com- mence operations; but year after year has passed away, and Herculaneum has fallen into . obli- vion. The story, I believe, is as follows : — The garden belonged to a priest, who begged hard for his bit of ground, saying _ that he would soon die if it were taken from him. The public service, however, was alleged as the necessity for action ; i^roceedings were commenced^ the ground was alienated after the long and tedious deliberation of the tribunals, and the Directory put in possession of the land. , The poor priest soon died after. But there was no money to pay for the excavations, and it is just this which his Majesty ha§ supplied out of his own pnrse. He has promised to give for this purpose 6000 lire annually for five years, "and if anything more be wanting, "he said to Fioreili, ' ' you may apply to me !" The Director then offered the King a small spade. " What ! must I work too ?" said he, and struck the spade into the ground, so that the excavations may be said to have commenced, not only under the auspices, but with the hand labour of Victor Emmanuel. The facts are more especially interesting, as they show that the warrior Kmg, whose life has been and still is one of continued political agitation^, is no less the patron of art. It is forty years since this mine of wealth was worked, or rather since the_ works in it were suspended. How great a revolution in taste the beautiful objects found in Herculaneum produced the world well 1 knows, an influence^ which has not yet ceased to ' exist. We all anticipate fresh discoveries eagerly, and I shall probably have to record many " eurekas" which will make your mouth water. The ground to be worked is a continuation of the present long line of stree*^ or streets in the direction of the sea. After the ceremony of inaHgnration, if so may be called the plunging of a spade into the soil by Eoyal hands, the Marchesa Gualterio, Mastep of the Household, made a short address, winding up by reading the decree which appears in to-day's papers. The Bourbons declared the Museum and all that was found in the excavations to be the private property of the Crown, by Koyal decree. Victor Emmanuel, on the contrary, commences his decree in the follow- ing terms :— ' ' Considering that it h our duty to give the examjple of patronising all great national de- signs, and to guard the decorum of whatever forms the secular patrimony of the glories of Italy, we have decreed, and do decree,'' &c. The contrast between the two decrees marks the difference between an absolute and a constitutional Sovereign, . L BLANCHARD, SONS, & PRICED CATALOGUE BEAUTIFUL Y Et R R A MANUFACTURED BY BLANCHARD, SONS, & CO., / BLACKFRIARS ROAD, LONDON, 1869. The Excavations in Hercuo. communication from Florence, in tH^^^ — .^al ! Ofii:iel, says, — "The Marquis Gualterio, Mini- I ster of King Victor Emmanuel's household, who drew his Majesty's attention to the re- searches in Herculaneum, has discovered an archffiological treasure of the highest import- ance. In the excavations which he himself directs, near Orvieto, on his own estate, he has found numerous Etruscan vases of all forms, and many of those known as Greco- Roman. They are in raised work of the same kind as the famous one of Cumce, belonging to the Campana Museum, for which the Russian purchaser paid the enormous sum of 50,000 francs. These articles are remarkable for the elegance of their form and the purity of the drawing. The subjects, which are in bas- I relief, are almost entirely confined to the Illy let. . re- "presents tne struggle witti tne JXemeauTTSn. Tlie former are not quite so well preserved, I but the important portions are xmiujured. One of them has for subject Jupiter and Alcmena ; and the other the combat of Her- cules with the Queen of the Amazons." COADES' ORIGINAL WORKS, ESTABLISHED, 1769. TERRA COTTA MANUFACTURERS TQ THE ROYAL FAMILY AND THE Several Departments of Government. COADES WORKS ; ,/iViH£Sr'„c/DUf(£ n/ VO/iK f m ATTEM-FTSopTI-M-E toDESTROY SaTLITJM^^m^iTEQ^iRE •DEFEATED- -ry the- WRI-RTNG MD--o-f- EIRE- .... ■ Mj^am f/u/ Ihreats O Time t/iesey^ris- assail Desun^iijnscrM. iy ^ Sc^- T(2/- 77w7/. o/hdHre tJ/ith Great Glnbe^ sTioE fml . WORKS AND SHOW ROOMS THE SEH LIB:- BLANCHARD, SONS, AND CO.'S ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE OF 0) TERRA COTTA. NE HUNDRED YEARS have now elapsed since the estabh'shnient by ^' the Misses CoADER, at King's Arms Stairs, Narrow Wall, Lambeth, and opposite Whitehall Stairs, of the Manufactory of Terra Cotta. Most of the capital residences and towns in these Kingdoms, as well as in foreign parts, contain specimens of it, which are applied externally, as in Coats of Arms, Capitals of Columns, Statuettes, Terminals, Cornices, Bas- relievos, and other architectural decorations. The most respectable proofs of the utility of this Art are the length of time it has been established, and the growing fame it has acquired. The numerous and substantial advantages peculiar to this manufacture, in preference to the natural Stone, renders an accurate statement of them interesting to the Public. Portland Stone, Marble, and other calcareous materials are considerably impaired, and in time wholly defaced, by the chemical Manufactured by Blanc/iartf, Sous, &> Co., Blackfriars Road, London, S. T 2 Blanc hard, Sons, & Co., Terra Cotta Works, properties of the atmosphere ; but the high degree of fire to which this material is exposed in the kilns gives it a durability resembling jasper or porphyry. Frost and damps have no effect upon it ; consequently it retains a sharpness not to be diminished by the changes of climate. On this account it is principally adapted for Sculpture and Architectural Decorations, for Pyramids, Triumphal Arches, or other National Works, which are to be exposed to the air. For Parks, Gardens, Fountains, Bridges, Tombs in Churches or Cemeteries, or Decorations of Churches, it claims a superiority of duration over any other material, either in this or a more severe climate ; and amongst its other qualities is its resistance both of electric or common fire. Of the one, the partaking of the properties of glass in that respect is a sufficient demonstra- tion ; and where it has been applied in buildings which have been burnt down or damaged by fire, such as the Ordnance Arms in the Pediment of the Tower of London, a row of houses at Rochester, and other places, memorable testimonies remain that it has not received the smallest injury — on the contrary, fire freshens it. And the High Class of works executed in this material will amply evince that Artists of the highest reputation have been and" are still employed in all its branches of art. Many acknowledgments are due to the geniuses of Bacon, Flaxman, De Vere, Benjamin West, Panzetta, Watson, and Woodington, whose assistance our prede- cessors enjoyed. This material has a preference to Pordand Stone in point of cheapness, especially in proportion to the enrichment of the work. From my long experience and practical knowledge from early life at Coades's, and Thirty Years having now elapsed since I succeeded them in their Manufacture, it might be thought unnecessary or invidious to take notice of the many compositions obtruded on the Public under the name of Terra Cotta since the establishment of this Manufactory, were it not for their invariable failures, and being pointed out by designing people as the productions of this Manufactory ; endeavouring thereby to deter gentlemen from introducing it in their designs, and who are respectfully solicited to make previous inquiries, as well for their own satisfaction, as to prevent the injury which the Proprietors are constantly receiving from misrepresentation. It is with pleasure we beg to announce that at an early period His late Majesty King George I V. was pleased to honour Coades's Manufactory with his approbation and appoint- ment ; and their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales ancl Duke of York have in a like manner granted their countenance ; and it is with sincere gratitude we may mention that His late Royal Highness Prince Albert took so much interest in the application of Terra Cotta in this country, by works executed by his desire for the Royal Horticultural Gardens, and the Permanent Buildings, South Kensington Museum. The uses and properties of Terra Cotta will be seen by the following Extracts from Papers read at the Royal Institute of British Architects, and at the Architectural Association. Specimens supplied by M. H. Blanchard for the purpose. Extracts from a Paper read at the Eoyal Institution of British Architects, by CHARLES FOWLEE, Esq., F.R.I.A., June, 1850 :— " It is rather remarkable that the revival of the manufacture of Terra Cotta— or more properly, Vitrified Stone — in England, should have been effected by Two Ladies, about seventy years ago. The Misses Coades, from Lyme Regis, possessing a large Manufactured by Blanchard, Sons, 6- Co., Blackfriars Road, London, S. Blackfriars Road, London, S. share of scientific knowledge and energy, embarked in a small Manufactory of Terra Cotta, or Vitrified Stone, in Lambeth, which, by their perseverance and good manage- ment, eventually attained a considerable degree of celebrity. To this original Establishment in Lambeth the merit is due of greatly improving the composition of the material, and the processes by which its permanent character was attained. " The Proprietors had also sufficient enterprise and discrimination to avail themselves of the talents of some distinguished Artists, and thus produced works of a superior character, which may fairly vie with those of the chisel. The Bas-relief in the Pediment over the Western Portico at Greenwich Hospital, representing the Death of Nelson, was designed by West, and executed by Bacon and Panzetta, who also modelled many other distinguished works. The Rood Screen, or Loft, at St. George's Chapel, Windsor, was executed in the same material. " About the same time, extensive Bas-reliefs, Colossal Figures, and other decorations executed in the same material, were placed on the front of the Custom House, London, but these specimens have been removed. The Statue of Britannia, made of Terra Cotta, which crowns the Nelson Monument at Yarmouth, remains uninjured by the exposure to which the Stone Work seems yielding. The Ban Schule, in Berlin, by Sciiinkel, is a remarkable example of the modern adaptation of Moulded Brick ancl Terra Cotta, of which every part — even the face of the walls — is most carefully wrought and finished. " The ancient examples are evidently formed of fine clay, or brick earth, carefully jjrepared, and well-burnt ; and they are therefore precisely of the same nature as coarse Pottery Ware, and are correctly designated Terra Cotta. But the Modern Terra Cotta, or Vitrified Stone, is a very different substance, and grcatl)' superior to them in hardness, texture, and colour Its . durability, if properly manu- factured, may be deemed almost unlimited ; and its economy, if judiciously applied, is a further recommendation— but this involves many important considerations for the judgment and discretion of the architect." Report by the Jury ok the Great Exhibition, i8si.— Class 27, TERRA COTTA. HAS BEEN AWARDED TO MARK H. BLANCHARD, I'OR MATERIAL A K i) WOR K M AN S H 1 1' IN TERRA COTTA. " Several objects exhibited by hirn, including part of a Gothic Pinnacle, a Capital, and some smaller articles, are of a very excellent colour, and the details of construction admirable. The tint is that of the material as it leaves the kiln, without artificial colour, stopping, wash, or paint, and is extremely hard and uniform : it does not alter on exposure. The Works of this Establishment have stood the test of time." Manufactured by Blaitchard, Sons, Co., Blackfnars Road, London, S. 4 Blanc hard, Sons, & Co., Terra Coita Works, The Nobility, Architects, and others, will have the satisfaction of finding their designs carefully modelled by experienced and artistic workmen, and will have the opportunity of inspecting their models and the work in progress, which will be found to be a great advantage, as they would have the means of correcting any part of their design without trusting to the judgment of manufacturers and workmen at a distance, as the Works are situated in a central locality. Omnibuses from all parts of London pass within five minutes' walk of the Works. In no case will any duplicate of a private design be issued to the Public when prohibited, if arrangements are made accordingly. Works of great magnitude can be formed in Terra Cotta in one or more pieces, and the parts accurately joined, and form a colossal work. Statues, bas-reliefs, vases, ball and other terminals, coats of arms, armorial bearings, &c. &c., may be modelled in this material, and fired without moulding or transferring, and the risk of copying, retaining the vigorous and last touches of the artist unimpaired. A list of a few of the works may be mentioned as having been executed by COADES and Mark H. Blanchard, their successor, which will be found to be as fresh and unimpaired as when first executed :-- Bedfordshire.— Ampthill, Luton, Chicksaiids Priory, West Hall, Selso, &c. Berkshire. — Windsor, St. George's Chapel, St. Leonards, Beaumont Lodge, Stoke, Eton, Winkfield, Sunninghill, Sul- hamstead, Reading, Caversham, Highclere, Maidenhead, Bradfield Hall, Laverstoke, Vases, &c., at Cliefden House, the Seat of His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, &c. Buckinghamshire. — Stowe, Temple House, Langley Church, Tyringham, Ritchings, Doreton, &c. Camisridgeshire. — Chippenham, the Gateway, &c,, at King's College, &c. Cheshire. — Tatton Park, Hooton, Doddington, Naat- wich, &c. Cornwall. — Tehidy Park, Truro Theatre and Inflruiary, Whiteford, Callington, St. Austell, &c. Cumberland. — Carlisle, Corby Casde, &c. Derbyshire. — Kiddlestone, Belper, &c. Devonshire.— Exeter, Haldon House, Stover Lodge and Church, Swanage, Nutwell, Efiford, Shute, Adington, Creedy Hall, Tiverton, &c. Dorsetshire.— Milton Abbey, Lulworth Castle, Poole, Weymouth, Bridport. Durham.— Brancepeth Castle, Winyard, Sunderland. Essex. — Chelmsford, Woodford, Wanstead Church, Audley End, Debden Hall and Church, Saffron Walden, Dunmow Church, &c. GLOtrcESTERSHiRE. — Tetbuiy, Torthworth (Lord Ducie's), Batsford, Comsford, &c. Hants. — Lord Portsmouth's Gateway, Chrlstchurch, Mount Royal, Bannisters at Portswood House, Stoneham Park, Sheffield House, Cowes Castle, and the Statues and Inscrip- tions to the Yarborougli Testimonial, Isle of Wight. Herefordshire,— Stoke Castle, Ludlow, Leominster, Lucton, &c. Hertfordshire.— Gothambury (Lord Grlmstone's), Wood- hall, Barkway, &c. Kent. — Greenwich Hospital and Chapel, Deptford Trinity House, East Mailing, Rochester Cathedral, Dover Church, Gore Court, Ramsgate Church, Sevenoaks, &c. Lancashire. — Liverpool, Manchester, Woolcot, Hornby Hall, Heaton, Colossal Statue of Britannia on the Town Hall at Liverpool. Leicestershire. — Leicester School House and Assembly Rooms, Donnington Park, Skeffington Hall, &c. Lincolnshire. — Gainsborough, Burghley (Lord Exeter's), Buckminster, North Willingham, Cockerington Hall, Stamford, the Colossal Statue of King George III. (about eighteen feet high) at Lincoln Heath. Middlesex.— Chiswick, at the Duke of Devonshire's, the Duchess of Gloucester's, Henley, Fulham, Twickenham, Sion- House Gardens, Caen Wood, Whitton, Whembly, Belmount, Uxbridge, Bulstrode Park, at His Grace the Duke of Somer- set's, Acton Green, Southgate, Stanmore Hall, Hammersmith, Ascot, Taplow, Isleworth Villa, Marie House. Norfolk. — Norwich, Yarmouth, Langley Park, W^estwick, Barton, Downham, «S:c. The Statue of Britannia (twelve feet high) and all the Sculpture on the Nelson Monument at Yar- mouth, facing the Sea — the Stone of which is rapidly decaying. Northamptonshire,— Northampton Barracks, Chesterton Hall, &c. Northumberland. — Alnwick, Newcastle Church and Theatre, &c. Nottinghamshire. — Nuthall Temple, Babworth Church, Clumber, Neal, Worksop, Nottingham, Kelhain, &c. Manufactured by Blanchard, Sons, 6^ Co., Blackfriars Road, London, S. Blackfriars Road, London, S. 5 Oxfordshire. — Oxford Observatory, Canal Company, Banbury Church, Daylesford, &c. RUTLAN'DSHIRE.— Normanton Hall, &c. Shropshire. — Shrewsbury, Shilifnall, &c. StaUie of Lord Hill at Shrewsbury — seventeen feet high. Somersetshire. — Market Drayton, Bath, Keynsham, Somerton, &c. Staffordshire. — Burton-on-Trent, Loughborough House, Weston, &c. Suffolk. — Heaveningham Hall, Redgrave Hall, Bungay, Woolverton, Ipswich, Great Saxham Hall, Twisted Hall, Sudbury, Oxford Lighthouse, Botterdale, Langhani, &c. Surrey. — Waverley Abbey, Oatlands, Wimbledon, Putney, Richmond Park, South Lambeth, Dulwich, Ewell, Rochamp- ton. Grove Lane Camberwell, Battersea, Mitcham, Petersham, St. Ann's Hill, Surrey Square and Paragon, Lambeth, tVc. Sussex. — Goring Park, Steyning Church, Goodwood, Duke i of Richmond's, Brighton Pavilion and Church, Arundel Castle, j Midhurst, Hamnierwood Lodge, Ashdown Park, East Grin- stead, Pitts Hill, Bignon, Petworth, &c. j Warwickshire. — Warwick Castle, Warwick, Hams Hall, Henley Arden, a Colossal Royal Arms to Birmingham ' Theatre, Hinks and Wells's Large Pen Works, Birmingham, Westmoreland. —Windermere Lake. Wiltshire.— Long Lcat, Stourhead, Bowdeu Hall, c^c. Worcestershire. — Worcester, Croome, Hagley, Leaf- owes, .Salwarpe, Fladbury, Evesham, Honington, Sliiplon- upon-Stour, &c. Yorkshire. — York l^arracks, Sledmere, Wentworlli, Heaton Lodge, Byram, Wikeham Abbey, Doncaster, Mallon, Burton, Hull, Newby, Borouglibridge, Bretton Hall, Wake- field, Fremlington, Stockton, &c. IN LONDON AND WESTMINSTER. Stratford Place. —Lions, Capitals and Panels, Vases, &c. Pantheon, Oxford Street and Soho Square. — Capitals, Balusters, Arms, &c. Admiralty. — Panels with Tritons. HaYMArket. — Royal Arms and Capitals of the Colonnade of the Theatre. Bond Street, St. James's Streei', and Sr. James's Square. — Various Arms, Medallions, Pateras, Capitals, &c. Pall Mall.— Arms and Balustrades at the Marquis of Buckingham's, Caryatide Statues in Staircase, Panels, &c., in Picture Gallery. Charing Cross.— Various Royal Arms, the figure of the I'hojnix at the Engine House, Statues of Minerva at the Fire Office, and all their marks. Long Acre, Fi.ef;t Street, Queen Street, and Holborn. — Royal Arms, Capitals, Terminals, Vases, &c. Foundling Hosi'Ital. — Vases and Pedestals, Chimney Tops, Key-stones, &c. Trinity Houses in Water Lane, Tower Street, and at Tower Hill, Anns, Statues,