Wash study for engraving by Mumford's brother, Thomas Mumford, appearing in several editions of John F. Watson's "Annals of Philadelphia,...with engravings by T.H. Mumford" published by various publishers between 1844 to 1870. Depicts an exterior view of the coffee house and merchants' exchange at the southwest corner of Front and Market streets in colonial Philadelphia. An auction of enslaved people occurs outside the coffee house and pedestrians traverse the sidewalks. Partial view of the adjacent printing house of "Pennsylvania Journal" publisher, William Bradford, is visible. Erected in 1702 and established as a coffee house in 1754 by Bradford, the site was a public center for social and economic activities during the late 18th century, including auctions of enslaved people. The building was razed in 1883., Title from manuscript note on recto., Manuscript note on recto: Original., Accessioned 1982., Description revised 2021., Access points revised 2021., Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of the Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Creator
Mumford, Edward William, 1812-1858, artist
Date
[ca. 1844]
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia | Print Department Drawings & Watercolors-Mumford [P.8757.18]
