George Brannon (1874-1860) was a printmaker, engraver, and publisher who lived at Wotton Common, Isle of Wight. One of his most notable publications was his promotional travel book Vectis Scenery. This book initially consisted of 41 engraved prints and a written guide highlighting the beauty, history and environment of the Isle of Wight. Vectis scenery was published annually from 1821 to 1875 with Brannon being succeeded by his sons Alfred and Phillip, Brannon's work took place prior to the introduction of the camera making his prints the most effective way of highlighting the landscape on a large scale. Freshwater bay was, and remains, a popular tourist destination for its chalk cliffs which, through coastal erosion, consist of features such as arches, stacks and stumps. The print has a caption which reads: Freshwater Cliffs, Isle of Wight. Showing particularly an extraordinary natural production in the face of the chalk precipices of Scratchells Bay, called the Grand Arch: - these cliffs are also remarkable for the beauty of their flinty stratification and form the western termination of the island.
This object was audited and researched as part of the National Lottery Data Hunters and Story Gatherers project.
