Circle of William Wordsworth and Rev. William Gilpin – ‘Ambleside’

Drawing in the manner of Rev. William Gilpin (1724-1804). Brush and grey wash on white wove paper. Inscribed with the title ‘Ambleside’ verso.

Inscribed in pen and brown ink with the following text on a separate sheet of blue paper, below the drawing:

Ambleside

Antiquity claims something like parental
reverence, it gives precepts, explains the
present by the past, awakens memory,
is an impress of the steps of time, a sacred
relict of the effects of human power, a great
incitement to performance, example of excellence.
Nothing is so ancient so honourable as virtue;
It had existence before the first of men:
(was this?) its dominion stile, where seats of
government are placed for all its progeny
that claim this antient title, mingling with
the power and purity of long past ages;
heir of primeval knowledge , inheritor of
all that ever was, joined to what is and
what be; parallel of ancientry.

Drawing sheet: 19.8 x 25 cm.
Poem sheet: 9.9 x 14.6 cm.
Frame: 53.5 x 40.7 cm.

Presented with a wash line mount and oval plaque (numbered 340) pinned to the frame.