The Golden Age of Glasgow’s Art Trade: May 1845 – Portrait of Helen Faucit, by James Fillans – Machine-Engraving by Allan and Ferguson – Published by Mr Lang
A short article on page two of The Glasgow Citizen, or West of Scotland Journal
and Advertiser (Glasgow Citizen, in The British Newspaper Archive), on Saturday
the 17th of May, 1845, reads:
“PORTRAIT OF MISS FAUCIT.
An exquisite medallion portrait of Miss Helen Faucit,
by our distinguished countryman, Mr. Fillans, has just
been published in this city by Mr. Lang. It is a machine-
engraving by Messrs. Allan & Ferguson from Mr. Fillans’
original model, and has been finished, we believe, under
the inspection of the artist. We have seldom seen anything
more chaste and beautiful in style, and the likeness appears
to us perfect. As the price of the print is a mere trifle, we have
no doubt that the numerous admirers of Miss Faucit will take
an early opportunity of possessing themselves of copies.”
The British Newspaper Archive.
George Fairfull-Smith, October 2025.