Trade Card of Richard Hand, The Oldest Original Chelsey Bunn Baker

Trade Card of Richard Hand, The Oldest Original Chelsey Bunn Baker, created by William Hogarth in 1718, is a significant early example of commercial graphic design from the beginning of the Georgian era. Executed using the meticulous combination of etching and engraving, this print was commissioned to advertise the services of Richard Hand, the celebrated proprietor of the famous Chelsea Bun House. This piece serves not only as documentation of London street commerce and entrepreneurial identity but also as a powerful early demonstration of Hogarth's skill in crafting clear, detailed commercial prints, before he fully embraced his role as a master satirist.

As a historical artifact, the trade card elevates the seemingly mundane business of baking by adopting formal design elements. The card includes prominent text advertising the "Original" status of the establishment, capitalizing on local fame and assuring customers of quality. Intriguingly, the design incorporates highly stylized imagery resembling a Coat of Arms, lending an air of established tradition and pedigree to the Chelsea bun business. This strategic use of heraldic iconography was a common method in early 18th-century commercial prints to instill trust and suggest historical authority among consumers.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this work in its extensive collection of prints and drawings, recognizing its value both as a record of early London business practices and as a key initial step in Hogarth’s distinguished career. Due to its age and cultural significance, high-resolution images of this work are often found within the public domain, allowing historical prints to circulate widely for academic and commercial study.