Bath in its relation to Art. * iij 



in 1877, was so large that it occupied forty acres of ground. 

 The Society ranks next in importance to the " Royal Agri- 

 cultural," which it greatly surpasses in age. 



In the days when letters were written on letter paper 

 " Bath Post " was much used. The manufacture ceased, 

 with dear postage. Contemporaneously with good paper- 

 was good printing. Few towns in the kingdom were more 

 noted in this respect. Dr. Hartley, having written his- 

 " Observations on Man " in Bath, was fortunate in being 

 able to see it through Mr. Cruttwell's Press. Sole's " Mints. 

 of Great Britain," mentioned in another part of this work,, 

 is a iine specimen of typographical skill from the same press.. 

 Many other good examples of local typography might be 

 mentioned. 



Bath cabinet-making has now grown into much repute. 

 Both design and workmanship have been so good as to in- 

 sure a large demand even from distant places. At the first 

 " Great Exhibition " there was a beautiful book-case made 

 by a working-man at Bath in his leisure time. One of the 

 presents to the Princess of Wales on her marriage was an 

 elegant ecritoire from the inhabitants of Bath, made by 

 Mr. Knight. Amongst the ornaments were nine medallions 

 illustrative of the connection of royalty with Bath, from the 

 discovery of the springs by Prince Bladud to the opening 

 of the Park by the, then, Princess Victoria. These were 

 drawn and presented by Mr. Arthur Murch. 



Even the residents of distant cities have discovered the 

 excellence to which the art of carriage building has attained 

 in Bath. Prizes have been often awarded to the builders 

 both in England and on the Continent for their combin- 

 ation of lightness, beauty of form and convenience. In 

 connection with this important industry is a branch of the 



