The work in this collection is that of the engraver and watercolour artist C H Matthews (1820 –?) who had an interest in the landscape of North London. Scenes principally depict Hackney, Highbury and Islington, and the old metropolitan Finsbury area, although further examples around the City and Westminster are to be found.

Charles Henry Matthews was born on 5 February 1820 and baptised on 27 February at St Botolph’s, Aldersgate. He lived at Aldersgate Street Buildings with his parents John and Louisa (perhaps somewhere like the buildings seen in London Picture Archive: 71). It has not been possible to trace a certain year of death for Matthews as he disappears after the 1861 census and no substantial work is made after this period.

In the early nineteenth century London was a rapidly developing city. Mapmakers such as Richard Horwood were reflecting a new city back to the people to help them find their place in it. The watercolours within this gallery show an artist looking at a semi-rural London representing idyllic versions of the Cityscape which are often looking-back in time. Matthews brings to life topography and social history with a sense of place which he captures in a scene.

It is likely that his images were created as a personal record or possibly intended for publication and distribution to enthusiastic collectors.