This Litchfield Historical Society is pleased to announce the acquisition of the original sketch of the South East View from Chestnut Hill by John Warner Barber.

The drawing was discovered in an antique shop in Stonington, CT by a friend of the museum.  The staff quickly jumped into action and contacted the antique shop owner.  He was thrilled the museum was interested and the transaction was quickly finalized.

John Warner Barber (1798-1885) was born in East Windsor, CT.  He learned the art of printmaking and opened his own business in New Haven, CT.  He is most noted for his engravings of Connecticut towns.  These were compiled into a book by Barber in 1837  called Connecticut Historical Collections. The book sold 7,000 copies in its first year even though it cost three dollars, then an average weeks pay.

Barber started with rough pencil sketches and developed them into more detailed wash drawings. He then transferred the drawings directly to small blocks of boxwood on which he engraved the designs.

Above is the published engraving of his original pencil drawing.   It is often thought Barber inserted himself into his prints.  The gentleman in the foreground of the completed print is thought to be Barber.

The Litchfield Historical Society is thrilled to add this rare piece of material culture to the museum’s permanent collection.