Canadiana Coaster Set: Montreal and Quebec Scenes (after W.H. Bartlett)
Decorative art; set of six mass-produced table coasters with printed laminated surfaces on cork or wood backing • Original images by William Henry Bartlett (1809–1854); manufacturer unknown (likely a Canadian souvenir company like Pimpernel or a similar boutique brand)
Style & Movement
Mid-century Canadiana/Souvenir art; reproducing Romantic/Topographical 19th-century styles
Medium & Technique
Color lithography or offset printing on paper/laminated surface; transfer of 19th-century steel engravings into contemporary functional objects
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990) based on the font and manufacturing style
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 4 x 4 inches (10 x 10 cm) each; square format with rounded corners
Subject Description
Six topographical views: Montreal from the Mountain, Prescott Gate, The Citadel of Quebec, The Cathedral Montreal, and others. Scenes depict mid-19th century Canadian life with colonial architecture and maritime activities
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing typical signs of domestic use including edge wear and slight surface scuffing
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $30 USD for the set
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased as part of a commemorative set or tourist souvenir in Quebec or Ontario; secondary market household item
Art Historical Significance
Low art-historical value as originals, but high as cultural artifacts of Canadian heritage appreciation and the commercialization of W.H. Bartlett's 'Canadian Scenery Illustrated' series
Notable Features
Features specific dates of the original sketches (e.g., 1840) printed on the labels to provide a historical aesthetic; gold-rimmed borders characteristic of mid-to-late 20th-century decorative homeware
Condition Issues
Chipping on the edges of the laminate; possible heat rings or moisture staining on the cork underside (unseen); minor fading of pigments due to light exposure
Conservation Recommendations
Avoid heavy moisture and high heat; clean only with a damp cloth. Display in a dry environment out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading