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WILLIAM TAYLER, Sketches Illustrating the Manners and Customs of the Indians and Anglo Indians: Drawn on Stone from the Original Drawings from Life by William Tayler Esq., London: Thomas McLean, 1842

Lithographed title and dedication page along with 6 lithograph colour plates by J Bouvier of the General Lithographic Establishment, 70, Martin's Lane, after watercolours by Tayler along with tissue guards
Publisher's moire fine ribbed brown cloth boards, title in gilt on upper cover, recent green leather spine
55.2 x 38 x 1.5 cm

This rare portfolio of six coloured lithographs portrays the relatively luxurious daily life of Anglo-Indians - of which two are possibly autobiographical as well as depictions of Bengali village life. It is written and drawn by William Tayler, who was employed by the East India Company from 1829-59, including a post as an assistant to the commissioner of Cuttack in 1830, various posts within Bengal, and a promotion to become the commissioner of Patna in 1855. An amateur artist, he was known among his circles as a gifted portraitist and caricaturist. Explanations and glossaries are provided for each plate by the author. For instance, the text for the first plate reads, Messrs. Pittar and Lattey's bill for jewellery, which is seen on the floor, affords some ground for speculation as to his [the subject] matrimonial intentions.

LIST OF PLATES

1. The Young Civilians Toilet
2. The Young Ladies Toilet
3. The Breakfast
4. The Women Grinding at the Mill
5. The Sunyasees
6. The Village Barber

Reference: J R Abbey, Travel in Aquatint and Lithography 1770-1860, 465