There are in England, Scotland, and Wales, one hundred and twenty thousand Carpenters, of full age, and we may assume for Ireland (the compiled accounts not assisting us here) thirty thousand more, making a total of one hundred and fifty thousand, exclusive of apprentices, in this trade alone, who, in common with the other co-operating Building Artificers, require to read and study (and in some instances to abstruseness) on all subjects connected with their craft. For these hundreds of thousands there has hitherto been no retailing of proper food for the mind; no books at moderate prices, and in suitable parcels; and if we except the issue in parts and numbers of works such as those of Mr. Peter Nicholson, the large sale of which confirms the truth of our convictions, nothing in the shape of a trade instructor, or magazine, adapted to their several pursuits has yet been offered to this immense body. The “Architectural Magazine,” by Mr. London, indeed, did wonders in its way; and other journals which have followed in its track are, no doubt, well adapted to the particular departments whose cause they espouse, and promote;[1] but what is there, we ask again, for the work-shop, and for the fire-side circle of the Building Artisan?
Examine our Prospectus, and contemplate the numbers forming an array of what we have advisedly termed “the pick of British Artisans.” Be it remembered, however, that we do not use these words in an invidious sense, or in disparagement of other bodies of the industrious citizens of the empire; but, considering the standard of perfection, in body and mind, required for the proper practising of the Building Arts, and considering also the healthful nature of their occupations, it will not be deemed arrogant in us to speak thus of the class to which we have the honour to belong; in addition, we have the influence which numbers, intelligence, and wealth, if united, must ever secure to us. With all these advantages present to literary eyes and ears, in an age of professed catering, printing, and publishing, is it not one of the greatest marvels—a huge paradox—that there is no such thing as a Builder’s Newspaper and Magazine?
We have just said Newspaper and Magazine, for it has occurred to us (rather happily, we opine and trust), to combine them; that is to say, the particular features which distinguish either. We would relieve the Working Builder from a double charge for matter less available to him in practice, as well as from the still greater evil, in many instances, of a dry magazine at home, and a well moistened newspaper at a public-house. We have an eye to the superior household and domestic economy which prevails, and which we would have still more constant in the Builder’s Circle. We would give him a book on his trade, worth preserving, and a newspaper for the reading of his wife and family, as well as for himself; and, finally, we would make the weekly pence set apart from his earnings, for the gratification of a common feeling of curiosity, not begrudged by the partner of his cares on the one hand, or to be regretted by the most thrifty economist on the other, since, even the news will be the vehicle of trade knowledge, and consequently of the means of trade, with its advantages and profits.
In designating our paper, we use the word “Builder” in its most extended sense—instancing a house, or other edifice, we regard it from the procurement and preparation of the materials, to the fixing upon its site, and to its full completion for the residence, use, and enjoyment of man, and which includes the making of the design or plan, “breaking” ground, as it is termed; the erection, or building up; decorating, fitting, and furnishing; the supply of water and drainage; and even the laying out of the garden, pleasure grounds, and park. This is the whole art of building, or, in other words, of providing and perfecting human habitations. To all, therefore, who are engaged in the Art so defined, we address ourselves without distinction, and without preference; the interests of all will, to the best of our power, be consulted, promoted, and advocated.
It now becomes us to say a few words as to how far this step (that is, the issuing of the “Precursor Number”) is to be considered on our part as an experiment; for, without being clear and explicit, we should, in case of failure, or rather abandonment, of our enterprise (for failure there can be none, where provision is made against that result), incur the blame of not having given our friends, the Building Classes, a clear view of the part which we humbly conceive it is their duty and interest to take in the business.
The “Precursor” is a trial number; and we make the avowal plainly and distinctly. Our part of the affair is to make every effort to supply what we consider a useful and most desirable public object. The part of the building fraternity, to whom it is particularly addressed, and the part of those who regard as a duty all the exertions they are making in the cause of public education; and also of those who pursue the arts out of a pure love and liking, is to support our humble efforts if they deem them worthy of appreciation. The less the sacrifice called for on either side the better. Let the covenants between us be of an equitable nature, and as we start upon the principle of discountenancing, as far as practicable, all lottery and riskful speculation (of which we will say more presently), so in the basis of this compact with our friends and readers, we would remove all unnecessary hazard, or complexion of adventure. We give our best exertion in what appears to us a work of common good; if our friends think well and approvingly of these exertions, and that work, let them contribute their part, were it alone for economy and fairness sake.
We do not rely upon the leviathan power of capital for our success; but we purpose building it up by an honest and diligent pursuit of the objects defined, aided by a fair share of judgment, and other necessary qualifications; and we anticipate it in the cheerful and generous response of our countrymen: and this Precursor Number, as its name implies, has its office in searching out the way, and exploring the track which its successor “The Builder” is designed to follow. If the Precursor finds a ready passport, and a significant welcome, of which we have no doubt, it will be promptly followed by that of which it will have been the harbinger.
We invite, therefore, an active dispersion of the Precursor amongst our friends; but, above all, we respectfully invite communications from the many distinguished patrons and favourers of works of this class. We invite also the Architect, Engineer, Landscape Gardener, Master Builder, Manufacturers in ornamental processes, and proprietors generally, Clerks of Works, Foremen, and Workmen, to avail themselves of the ready means of the penny-postage, to aid us by their supporting voices, and by any suggestions they can commit to paper. A Supplement will be issued with a subsequent impression of the Precursor (without increase of price), and in that Supplement our correspondence, and additional advertisements will appear; we, therefore, scarcely need say that the more promptly our friends reply to the invitation the better.
It now remains for us to say something of the peculiar character proposed to be given to the “Builder.” The Prospectus, which serves as the basis of this exposition, sets forth that the trade essays and descriptions will be accompanied by illustrations and diagrams: that is, we shall supply drawings, to render clearer the accounts we may give of mechanical inventions and processes; drawings of ornament, or enrichment in Plasterwork, Painting, Sculpture, Carving, Iron, and other metals; drawings of Mouldings, and Moulded work, for the Carpenter, Mason, and Bricklayer; drawings of construction, in roofs, floors, trusses, and framing, hand-railing, &c., centering of arches and groining; drawings of Buildings, both ancient and modern; plans, elevations, sections, and details: drawings of Architectural orders and styles; drawings for instruction in perspective, geometry, and the like; and, occasionally, coloured printing, in such matters as pertain to painting and staining.
We shall also give patterns for the paperhanger and upholsterer, and designs for furniture; and a comprehensive range of constructive and ornamental design suited to that immense territory of British pre-eminence, the Iron-foundry and its workshops: as connected with these, we come to that creative and directing science, Civil Engineering, and here drawings of constructed works, of Engines and Machinery, will have a prominent place, accompanying the descriptive treatises and essays.