The Blackheath Golfer Print

After the Blackheath Golfer painting by L.F. Abbott. This antique print is by Valentine Green and is circa 1790. Under the print reads: "To the Society of Goffers at Blackheath. This Plate is with just Respect Dedicated by their most Humble Servant". The right hand corner: Lemuel Francis Abbott and Engraved by V Green.

Blackheath, now known as Royal Blackheath Golf Club, was formally instituted in 1608 at the beginning of the reign of the Scottish King James VI who ascended the throne as James I of England and Ireland in 1603. His court was primarily Scottish and the nobles looked around London for a place to play their beloved game of golf. Few had heard of the sport outside of Scotland in the 17th century, it was considered very exotic. The topography at Blackheath provided the perfect conditions for golfing and the club was established there. It is the oldest golf club in England.

William Innes (1760-1803) was a captain of the Society of Golfers at Blackheath and is shown here on the course with his caddy. This print was originally issued in black and white in 1790 and later hand-colored. Several later printings exist.

Framed Dimensions: 28" x 36"