Set of Fox-Huntings, descriptive of the Poem of Billesdon Coplow, A.

London: T. Gosden, 1833. The Famous Sporting Poem of Billesdon Coplow Depicted in Eleven Fine Hand Colored Etchings

TURNER, F.C. A Set of Fox-Huntings, descriptive of the Poem of Billesdon Coplow, drawn and engraved by Mr. F. C. Turner. London: T. Gosden, 1833.

First edition. Large octavo ( 11 x 7 1/2 inches; 280 x 190 mm.). Title with large mounted hand colored vignette (over uncolored version), hand colored engraved title and eleven hand colored etched plates.

Publisher's pictorial engraved wrappers, additional engraved title (8 7/8 x 5 5/8 inches; 225 x 143 mm.) for the second edition tipped-in at front. Title slightly browned and stained. Rebacked with front wrapper extensively repaired and laid down not affecting text, plain rear wrapper repaired and laid down.

Housed in a custom half red morocco over marbled boards clamshell case, spine with five raised bands, decoratively tooled and lettered in gilt in compartments. Overall a good copy of this scarce book.

Quite scarce with OCLC/KVK locating just one example in libraries and institutions worldwide: Transylvania University Library (KY, US).

Francis Calcraft Turner (1795-1865), was a notable London painter specializing in equestrian portraits and shooting scenes. His works demonstrate considerable skill, capturing the dynamism and elegance of his subjects. Turner also painted general portraits and various other subjects, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His frequent exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Royal Academy, the British Institute, and other prominent London galleries from 1810 to 1846, attest to his recognition and standing in the art community of his time. Turner's contributions to the art world extended beyond his own work. He is believed to have fathered two other sporting artists, though their identities remain unknown. This legacy suggests that his influence and passion for sporting art were passed down, continuing his impact on the genre through the next generation.

The Reverend Robert Lowth (1761-1822) "The author of the poem "Billesden Coplow," son of a Bishop of London, was a good sportsman. While resident in Hampshire he was a member of the "H.H." and often attended Hunt Cup days at Winchester and the Hambledon Hunt Races. It was on a visit to Melton, when Mr. Meynell hunted the Quorn country, that Lowth was an eyewitness of the celebrated run from Billesdon Coplow which he describes in a poem of point and imbued with the spirit of a true foxhunter. "'Billesdon Coplow' will only cease to interest when the grass will grow in winter in the streets of Melton Mowbray" was the comment of the "Sporting Magazine" on its appearance. The poem went through several editions." (Schwerdt, p.321).

Bobins II, 788; Schwerdt II, 272.