Luton in Bedfordshire, the Seat of the Earl of Bute
Information
Title
Luton in Bedfordshire, the Seat of the Earl of Bute
Record type
Digitised Book Plate Collection
Original Reference
BP/4841-1001/34
Author or creator
Watts; William (1752-1851); engraver
Date
c.1779
Scope & content
Black and white engraved plate depicting Luton [Hoo] in Bedfordshre. The estate was sold to John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, in 1763 who employed Robert Adam to rebuild the mansion and Lancelot 'Capability' Brown to landscape the parkland. John Stuart was also known as Lord Mount Stuart, and served as the seventh Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1762-1763. The house can be seen in the background of the engraving, surrounded by trees. A river twists around the grounds, with a horse, cart and figures in the foreground. The book plate bears the imprints 'Publish'd as the Act directs April 1st. 1785 by W.Watts, Chelsea', 'Stewart pinxt. & Callander delt' and 'W. Watts, sculpt'. From the book 'The seats of the nobility and gentry' by William Watts