London in the Nineteenth Century (1831)

Metropolitan Improvements; or London in the Nineteenth Century: displayed in a series of engravings of new buildings, improvements, &c. By the most eminent artists from Original Drawings, Taken from the objects themselves expressly for this work, by Mr Thos. H. Shepherd: comprising The palaces, New Churches, Bridges,Streets, River Scenery,Public Offices and Institutions,Gentlemen's Seats, and Mansions,and every other object worthy of notice throughout the metropolis and its Environs.With Historical, Topographical, and Critical Illustrations , By James Elmes ,M.R.I.A. Architect, Author of the Life of Sir Christopher Wren, Lectures on Architecture, Dictionary of the Fine Arts, & c. Jones & Co., dedication to George IV, who has taken this work under his protection, 172 pages of text by Elmes, also series one of the engravings from steel plates by Shepherd comprising the Earlier Edifices, Antiquities, & c., 152 steel plate engravings (approx.), map of Regents Park, published 1829, half leather on marbled boards, 220 x 280 mm, condition of casing:fair, condition of binding:good

A group of young men met on 13 January 1834 at 17 Suffolk Street, Pall Mall East,‘to receive the outlines of a plan for forming an Architectural Institution, similar to the Institution of Civil Engineers, for the purpose of promoting the practical, as well as the more scientific interests of the profession’ (Bell's Weekly Messenger, 18 Jan 1834, 10). James Elmes chaired that meeting. At a subsequent meeting on the 3rd february it was agreed to appoint a committee ‘to prepare the necessary measures for forming a Society to be called the Institution of British Architects’.(Oxford Dictionary of National Biography)

Thomas H. Shepherd was known for his lifelike scenes and attention to detail in his architectural drawings. He worked for Frederick Crace, decorator to George IV, who commissioned him to reproduce old London buildings before they were torn down.