Archbishop Michael Ramsey Signed Canterbury Cathedral Engraving Hogg c.1784

An extraordinary antique engraving with significant ecclesiastical provenance — a hand-coloured copperplate "View of the Cathedral-Church of Canterbury in Kent", drawn by Hamilton, engraved by Thornton, published by Alex Hogg, New Paternoster Row, London, c.1784.

Presented in a quality ebonised and gilt frame.

★★★ MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE — PERSONALLY INSCRIBED BY THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY ★★★

The reverse of the framed engraving bears a handwritten ink inscription reading:

"With every good wish to you both, Michael Cantuar and Joan Ramsey."

This is the personal signature of Arthur Michael Ramsey (1904-1988), the 100th Archbishop of Canterbury (1961-1974), signed in his official capacity using the traditional Latin form "Cantuar" (the abbreviation for Canterbury used by every Archbishop of Canterbury for centuries when signing in office), together with the signature of his wife Joan Ramsey (née Hamilton, married 1942).

Michael Ramsey was one of the most significant Anglican leaders of the 20th century: a Cambridge theologian, the first Archbishop of Canterbury to formally visit the Vatican in modern times (meeting Pope Paul VI in 1966), the first to visit Moscow (1962), and a noted ecumenist, scholar and theologian. He was made Baron Ramsey of Canterbury on retirement in 1974.

Additional provenance: The reverse also retains a trade label from "Gerrards, Pictures Restored and Framed, 7 Palace Street, Canterbury" — consistent with the engraving having been framed locally in Canterbury by the Archbishop's own framer before being inscribed and given as a personal gift from Lambeth Palace or the Old Palace, Canterbury.

Why this is exceptional: Loose clipped "Michael Cantuar" autographs trade routinely on dealer sites such as HistoryForSale.com in the £90-160 range. A full inscription from both Michael and Joan Ramsey, on thematically appropriate Canterbury Cathedral material, with local Canterbury framing provenance, is significantly more desirable than a loose signature for autograph and Anglican history collectors alike.

The engraving itself is a genuine c.1784 Hogg publication, in good clean condition for its age. Frame and glazing intact.

Dimensions: Framed approximately 28 x 23 cm.

From a private UK collection. Carefully packed and dispatched via insured tracked, fully insured service. Authentication against published Michael Ramsey signature exemplars is straightforward; reference exemplars available on HistoryForSale.com and at the Lambeth Palace Library archives.