ABSTRACT
Iron catalogues of the 1870s became more substantial; Coalbrookedale Co catalogue of 1875 had 12 sections of wares, 572 pages, 11 × 13 inches and weighed 10 lb. Walter Macfarlane’s catalogue of 1882, appeared in a full-size colour version, and also a black-and-white pocket-sized version (Figures 135-137). The inconsistent numbering and non-dating typical of many catalogues, goes back to practices of early trade catalogues – old and new designs were used in the same catalogue and pages kept in loose sheets for re-compiling to suit needs at a later date. Prices could be listed separately for the same reason. As happened in building journals, the use of the latest illustrative techniques, such as photolithography, was a matter of pride and giving the catalogue a ‘cutting edge’ flavour.
