Celebrating 200 Years of Public History - Views in Philadelphia
8 videos • 72 views • by Susan F Cephas G. Childs, born on September 8, 1793, was one of the foremost engravers in Philadelphia. Childs' managed some of the earliest premier commercial lithograph firms in the city. Between 1827 and 1830, Childs completed his most noted project – "Views in Philadelphia, and its Environs; Engraved from original drawings, 1827-30." The book, consisting of twenty six plates by local artists and engravers, depicted the landmarks of Philadelphia from 1827 to 1830. This dynamic exhibit includes the eight buildings that still exist today, out of the eighteen buildings depicted in the book. The engravings were originally illustrated by well-known American artists during the early 19th- century including; Thomas Birch, Thomas Sully, George Strickland, William Mason, John Haviland, and William Strickland. This exhibit takes a closer look at the architectural design and changes made to the buildings throughout the 200-year public history that helped to preserve these significant and magnificent buildings!