Bartlett, William Henry

William Henry Bartlett (1809–1854) was a prolific and widely admired 19th-century topographical illustrator, known for his finely etched steel engravings that brought scenic and historic landscapes to life for Victorian readers. Trained under John Britton, he travelled widely across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, producing drawings that were engraved for bestselling travel and historical works. His most notable publications include American Scenery and Canadian Scenery, which helped raise European awareness of North America’s natural beauty. Other major works include The Danube, The Christian in Palestine, The Waldenses and The Pilgrim Fathers. Bartlett also illustrated Barber’s Isle of Wight, Finden’s Ports and Harbours, Switzerland Illustrated, Ireland: Its Scenery, Character, &c., and Picturesque Antiquities of the English Cities. Working with publishers such as George Virtue and Fisher, Son & Co., Bartlett’s romantic yet detailed images became some of the most widely distributed and enduring of his era.