Recent Acquisitions

Burrard Albums Watercolours

The Christopher Tower Library has purchased two 19th century albums containing many Forest views particularly around the Lyndhurst area. Most are by members of the Burrard family who lived at Holmfield, a large house just off Lyndhurst High Street. Views include Lyndhurst, Emery Down, Bank, Stoney Cross, New Park , Southampton Water, Christchurch , Burley, Minstead, Walhampton and Boldre. They offer a colourful impression of the Forest between 1830-60 and will be of huge benefit in showing how the area looked in earlier times.

Sir Charles Burrard was a naval man, taking part in a number of important engagements and even served on HMS Victory at one time. He had six daughters and appears to have given each an album made up of a variety of paintings from different times and places. The items on this disc reflect mostly the local views extending to the Isle of Wight and Dorset as well as the New Forest , Southampton Water and The Solent.

More illustrations may be found here.