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William Blackwood Collection

William Blackwood (1776-1834): Pioneering Scottish Publisher and Innovator William Blackwood, a visionary figure in Scottish literary history

Background imageWilliam Blackwood Collection: William Blackwood, Founder of the Publishing House of Blackwood (litho)

William Blackwood, Founder of the Publishing House of Blackwood (litho)
1598021 William Blackwood, Founder of the Publishing House of Blackwood (litho) by Allan, William (1782-1850); Private Collection; (add.info.: William Blackwood)

Background imageWilliam Blackwood Collection: William Blackwood, Publisher (engraving)

William Blackwood, Publisher (engraving)
1054295 William Blackwood, Publisher (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: William Blackwood, Publisher)

Background imageWilliam Blackwood Collection: Stenography, c1813. Artist: John Moffat

Stenography, c1813. Artist: John Moffat
Stenography, c1813. From Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, by David Brewster. [William Blackwood, London, c1813]

Background imageWilliam Blackwood Collection: Steam Engine, c1813. Artist: John Moffat

Steam Engine, c1813. Artist: John Moffat
Steam Engine, c1813. From Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, by David Brewster. [William Blackwood, London, c1813]

Background imageWilliam Blackwood Collection: Chaff-Cutter, c1813. Artist: Edmund Turrell

Chaff-Cutter, c1813. Artist: Edmund Turrell
Chaff-Cutter, c1813. After John Farey Junior (1791-1851). From Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, by David Brewster. [William Blackwood, London, c1813]

Background imageWilliam Blackwood Collection: Paper Making, c1813. Artist: John Moffat

Paper Making, c1813. Artist: John Moffat
Paper Making, c1813. From Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, by David Brewster. [William Blackwood, London, c1813]

Background imageWilliam Blackwood Collection: Drawings Prints, Print, Cockney, &, Wife, going, Wycombe, Publisher, Artist, Copy

Drawings Prints, Print, Cockney, &, Wife, going, Wycombe, Publisher, Artist, Copy
Drawings and Prints, Print, A Cockney & his Wife going to Wycombe, Publisher, Artist, Copy after, John Miller, William Blackwood, James Gillray, London, Edinburgh, British, Chelsea 1756-1815 London

Background imageWilliam Blackwood Collection: Titlepage of the first edition of Blackwoods Magazine, 1817

Titlepage of the first edition of Blackwoods Magazine, 1817
XJF3037918 Titlepage of the first edition of Blackwoods Magazine, 1817 by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)


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William Blackwood (1776-1834): Pioneering Scottish Publisher and Innovator William Blackwood, a visionary figure in Scottish literary history, founded the influential publishing house of Blackwood in Edinburgh in the early 19th century. Known for his innovative approach to publishing, Blackwood embraced new technologies such as lithography, which allowed for high-quality prints of engravings and drawings. His stable of talented artists included John Moffat, who created intriguing depictions of Stenography (1813), a steam engine (1813), and a chaff-cutter (1813). Blackwood's commitment to the arts extended to paper making, as evidenced by Moffat's illustration of the process (1813). Blackwood's Magazine, first published in 1817, showcased his groundbreaking editorial style. With a focus on contemporary literature, politics, and social commentary, the magazine quickly gained popularity. The titlepage of its first edition bears testament to Blackwood's dedication to providing engaging and thought-provoking content for his readers. Blackwood's impact on the publishing industry was significant, setting a new standard for the production and distribution of literature. His innovative spirit and commitment to quality continue to inspire publishers today.