Smollet’s House, St. John Street, Canongate. 1848.

This original antique hand coloured steel engraving depicts Smollet’s House in St. John Street, Canongate, Edinburgh — the Edinburgh residence of one of the greatest novelists of the 18th century — drawn by Sir Daniel Wilson and engraved by T. Steuart for his landmark work Memorials of Edinburgh in the Olden Time, published in 1848.

Tobias Smollett (1721–1771) was one of the most celebrated and widely read authors of his age, the creator of such beloved novels as Roderick Random, Peregrine Pickle, and The Expedition of Humphry Clinker — works that shaped the development of the English novel and were read and admired across Britain and Europe.

Although born in Scotland, Smollett spent much of his life in London, but his Edinburgh connections were strong and his Edinburgh house in St. John Street, Canongate, was one of the most distinguished literary addresses in the city.

Wilson’s documentation of Smollett’s house places it alongside the other great literary and historical addresses of the Canongate — one of Edinburgh’s most aristocratic and culturally significant streets — and makes this print a particularly appealing piece for collectors of literary history, Scottish history, and Edinburgh topography alike. 

What makes this print exceptionally rare and desirable is its beautiful original hand colouring, which brings the ancient stonework and street scene of the Canongate to vivid life. Hand coloured examples from this series are considerably scarcer than standard black and white impressions and are much sought after by collectors.

Subscript: Lower Left: D. Wilson. Lower Right: T. Steuart. Lower Center: Smollet’s House. St. John Street. Canongate.

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: 2

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: T. Steuart

Page Number: Between pages 68–69

Paper Dimensions: 9 ⅞ x 7 ⅜ inches

Medium: Steel Engraving

Language: English

Coloured: Hand coloured

Condition: The print is in great condition with some minor wear around the edges, as can be seen. The print is on a very thin paper with some minor crease marks across the surface, with one deeper crease mark on the top right corner, as can be seen.

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