pMore than 200 years have gone by, but the name of Rudolph Ackermann is still associated with innovation, entrepreneurship, and his beautiful, profusely illustrated books. He provided employment, and a place for artists to explore and expand their creativity, to reach the public without the approval of the mainstream artistic institutions. His shop and showroom were a hub for the most modern, edgy tastes of the time.ppThe Repository of Arts seized publication in December of 1828 after 20 successful years and 40 beautifully presented volumes. Close to 1400 illustrations, mostly hand coloured, were issued for the duration of the periodical. They depicted the 19supthsup century English, upper middle class with vibrant detail - from clothing, furniture, and house designs to country estates, international travels, new inventions and so much more.ppAckermann set out to deliver useful information in a pleasing and popular form and the result was 40 volumes which historians, costume designers