Engraved on steel

by Basil Hunnisett

This study, which is illustrated with over 150 pictures, recounts the history of steel engraving from its beginnings in the decorative arts to its heyday with the rapid development of the print industry in the 19th century. Engraved on Steel focuses on engraving and engravers, exploring the use of steel engraving in both the decorative arts and in printing, but Basil Hunnisett also describes the context of the steel engraver's work. The processes by which steel engraving became one of the most widely used forms of printing in the 19th century are described in detail as are the developments in the print industry, paper manufacture and publishing that determined its history. The activities of print publishers are also examined, including those of the Art Unions.