Heart of Midlothian Taken Down 1817. 1848. (B4-JJ-40)

This original antique steel engraving depicts the Heart of Midlothian — Edinburgh’s infamous Old Tolbooth — as it appeared before its demolition in 1817. Drawn by Sir Daniel Wilson from original sketches and engraved by William Forrest for his landmark work Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time (1848), the scene shows the Tolbooth building alongside St Giles’ Cathedral, with figures going about their daily business in the foreground. The Heart of Midlothian served for centuries as Edinburgh’s prison, courthouse, and place of public execution — and was immortalised by Sir Walter Scott in his 1818 novel of the same name, published just a year after the building was torn down. This print is a rare Proof impression, pulled before the main print run and of higher quality and rarity than a standard example — making it a particularly desirable piece for collectors and history lovers alike.

Subscript: Lower Left: Drawn by D. Wilson from Original Sketches. Lower Right: Engd. by W. Forrest. Lower Center: Heart of Midlothian, Taken Down 1817. Published by Hugh Paton, Adam Square, Edinburgh. Lower Right margin: Proof.

Author: Sir Daniel Wilson, F. R. S. S. A. (1816–1892)

Publication: Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time. By Daniel Wilson, F. S. S. A. Acting Secretary to the Society of the Antiquaries of Scotland.

Volume: 1

Publisher: Hugh Paton / Simpkin, Marshall, & Co.

Place of Publication: Adam Square, Edinburgh / London

Date: 1848

Artist: Sir Daniel Wilson, F. R. S. S. A. (1816–1892)

Engraver: William Forrest

Page Number: Between pages 70-71

Paper Dimensions: 9 ¼ x 12 inches

Medium: Steel Engraving

Impression: Proof

Language: English

Coloured: Black and white

Condition: The print is in good condition with age-toning consistent with its date. Light foxing is present and some edge wear is visible. The print is on a very thin piece of paper that has been adhered to a larger stiffer paper behind.

Reference: Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time, HathiTrust Digital Library