The Illustrated Guide to Wells-Next-the-Sea by Lemmon Lingwood

(Including Holkham, Walsingham, Fakenham and Districts)

Arthur Rackham’s Storied Scenes of Wells-Next-the-Sea

Forty-nine drawings in black and white by Arthur Rackham. The first issue has the Great Eastern Railway advertisement at the back of the book, dated 1894. This seems to be the only way of distinguishing the first issue, as none of the editions was dated on the title page. The later issues have the later dates on the advertisement. The wrapper edition was published at six pence, and the cloth edition at one shilling. They were both published at the same time, 1894.


Formats:

Pictorial paper wrappers, orange and black lettering (164 pages + advertisements)

Red cloth hardcover with gold lettering and rounded corners (164 pages + advertisements)

Size: 4 5/8 x 7 3/8 inches

Text: The Illustrated Guide to Wells-Next-the-Sea by Lemmon Lingwood

Illustrations: 49 black and white drawings by Arthur Rackham Advertisements: 24 pages (front) & 38 pages (back)

Publisher: Jarrold & Sons (London/Norwich)

Publication Date: 1894

Summary: This 1894 travel guide to the coastal village of Wells-next-the-Sea and surrounding Norfolk locales marked Arthur Rackham’s first commission illustrating a regional book. Rackham contributed 49 cleanly-lined black and white drawings to journalist Lemmon Lingwood’s profiles of area estates and landmarks. The pictorial paper-wrappered version and red cloth-bound edition include the same copious Victorian-era advertisements, with a 1894 Great Eastern Railway notice indicating first issues. The inexpensive 6 pence wrapper printing and 1 shilling cloth release likely appeared concurrently to cater to both tourists and residents. While best known for fantasyscapes, this early topographical work highlights Rackham’s dexterity with real-world settings like the North Sea waterfront as he develops his attentive eye for architectural and natural textures. With its rich histories and detailed views, Rackham brings an undertone of drama and spirit to the landscapes and noble manors gracing Norfolk’s storied coasts.

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