The Satirist's Guide to London
London has long been represented visually in a variety of ways. There are views and maps, but there is also a distinct genre of London 'types', from Woolwich to Hammersmith, some of whom we will meet in this post. Here we view some satirical looks at Londoners (while avoiding the obvious Hogarth selections). We've also thrown in a couple of scenes in specific London locations for variety.
The starting point for this post was Matthew and Mary Darly's 'macaronies', which take the Georgian 'macaroni' (young grand tourists with continental affectations in dress, food etc, hence the name) and from that template derive a series of variations for a range of (often unexpected) London areas:
The Woolwich Macaroni.
Publish'd as the Act directs, Septr. 21 1772 by MDarly, 39, Strand.
Etching, 170 x 125mm. 6¾ x 5".
A man in military dress walking swiftly in profile to the right. His right hand holds a cane, his left the hilt of a sabre.
The links between Woolwich, south east London, and the military remain, but were particularly strong in the 18th century. It was home to the Royal Arsenal (dating back to 1471), the Royal Military Academy (est. 1741).
BM Satires: 5034.
[Ref: 14236] £160.00 (£192.00 incl.VAT)
The Chelsea Macaroni.
Published according to Act, Octr. 10, 1772. by MDarly, 39, Strand.
Etching, 175 x 125mm. 7 x 5".
A man in profile with hat, sword, and walking stick, intended for a Chelsea Pensioner.
From 'Caricatures, Macaronies & Characters, published by MDarly', in an album of caricatures published by Mary Darly dated January 1776. It seems that her husband Matthew made the plates.
Numbered 'V5' upper left and '1' upper right.
[Ref: 14290] £160.00 (£192.00 incl.VAT)
The Covent Garden Macaronies.
Pub by MDarly Strand Feby. 24th. 1772 accorg to Act.
Etching, 245 x 175mm. 9¾ x 7".
Two men stand on the pavement outside a doorway under the pediment of which are the royal arms. Beneath them and over the doorway is inscribed, "Lovejoy, Kings arms Tavern’. This appears to be a representation of the entrance to Covent Garden Theatre.
[Ref: 14106] £260
The Knightsbridge Macaroni.
Publish'd according to Act Octr. 22 1772, by MDarly, 39, Strand.
Etching, 170 x 125mm. 6¾ x 5".
A man strides confidently in profile to the right, a tasselled cane under his right arm. His left hand rests on the end of the scabbard of his sword. His hair is in a macaroni club. His hat is low with a curved brim. He wears a ruffled shirt and cravat, striped breeches, and spurred riding-boots.
[Ref: 14303] £180.00 (£216.00 incl.VAT)
The Darlys also published this print, which shows a Phaeton (think of a Georgian sports car) speeding across the then open ground of Spitalfields:
The Spital Fields Phæton.
Pub. accord. to Act by M.Darly 39 Strand Jan.y 5. 1773.
Etching, 175 x 270mm, 7 x 10½".
[Ref: 14558] £320.00
Moving from East to North London, a particular favourite of ours is the 'Delights of Islington', which shows a landowner describing the measures he has taken to protect his residence from the 'blood-thirsty Villians [sic]' who have damaged and stolen the ornamental features of his house:
The Delights of Islington - WHEREAS my New Pagoda has been cladestinely carried, / off & a new pair of DOLPHINS taken from the top of the / GAZEBO by some blood-thirsty Villians. & whereas / a great deal of TIMBER has been cut down & carried / away from the Old GROVE That was planted last Spring / & PLUTO & PROSPERPINE thrown into my BASON from / henceforth Steel Traps & Spring Guns will be constantly / by me. JEREMIAH SAGO.
H.W.Bunbury delin. Chas.Bretherton Jun. f.
Publish'd as the Act directs April 30th 1772 By J.Bretherton No.134 New Bond Street.
Etching. 265 x 180mm.
BM Satire 4722.
[Ref: 1026] £160.00 (£192.00 incl.VAT)
A short Phaeton ride from Jeremiah Sago's fantastic estate was Coldbath Fields prison in Clerkenwell, seemingly alluded to in this print by Cruikshank:
St Swithins Chapel _ Cold bath fields -(NB not a Chapel of Ease.)
Sketched Etched & Published by George Cruikshank Decr. 1833.
A preacher addresses a crowd under umbrellas in the rain outside Coldbath Fields Prison.
[Ref: 12021] £60.00 (£72.00 incl.VAT)
But there is the possibility that the title is a double joke given the content of the image. Firstly, the impromptu assembly place is named 'St Swithins Chapel' for the inescapable effect of the weather upon proceedings (St Swithin is closely associated with weather, particularly rain). And secondly, perhaps the location is given as 'Cold bath fields' because a cold bath is what you will get if you don' bring your umbrella!
We next come to Smithfield, where courtship seemingly involves fighting over a gin bottle, appropriate, given London's current enthusiasm for both gin and Georgian drinking settings:
The Smithfield Courtship. Being a Parody on that tender Song called the Thorn, by I.B. of Birmingham. [verses follow]
Published 1.st May 1805
Etching, with very large margins; platemark 200 x 250mm (8 x 9¾").
A couple sit outside a Smithfield gin shop.
[Ref: 29663] £130.00 (£156.00 incl.VAT)
Into our own district of Covent Garden we find the Theatre Royal Drury Lane being rebuilt after the fire of 1809:
Act the 2.d of the New Drury Lane Brewery or a Managers Spur to Progress.
Afrus Inv.t. [Walker f.], 1812
Engraving. 300 x 400mm. Creased.
When the Drury Lane Theatre burnt down in 1809 Sheridan was ruined. He turned to his friend Samuel Whitbread (the brewer) for help rebuilding it.
[Ref: 447] £240
and on Monmouth Street, now filled with stylish shops, in the 18th century you could find a butcher:
Monmouth Street Mutton. Pat_Hurra Measter, and what do ye Ax for this here Shoulder of Mutton. [...]
Published 16th. March 1798, by Laurie & Whittle, 53 Fleet Street, London.
Engraving. Plate 197 x 242mm. 7¾ x 9½".
[Ref: 15447] £130.00 (£156.00 incl.VAT)
and a tailor of dubious judgement:
Monmouth Street. - "Not Fit_[tho'to be sure as you say a man can't see himself behind]_Why it sits like was, and goes off and on. Lit a Glove_Tobe sure, 'tis a little tightish or so about the Arms_But no Gentleman would go for to have a Coat hang like a Hop-sack_[..]
S. Collings Delt. J. Cooke. Sculpt. St. Mary Axe.
[S.W. Fores. 1789]
Coloured etching 190 x 245mm Trimmed inside plate, publication line cut.
Showing a tailor fitting a man with an overcoat. Other items of clothing are hanging in the shop.
[Ref: 1342] £160.00 (£192.00 incl.VAT)
And this sedan chair journey around Covent Garden anticipates the rickshaws/pedicabs which are so popular in the West End at the moment:
A Cruise to Covent Garden!!
[I. Cruikshank F. ?Woodward del.]
No publication line [Pubd. By T. Tegg 111 Cheapside Decr. 1. 1812.]
Coloured engraving 261 x 345mm Trimmed to plate top and bottom.
Two sailors carry a Sedan Chair across the front of St. Paul's Covent Garden. Watermark 1819.
BM:10900
[Ref: 1447] £240
Satire overturns preconceptions. Even the up-market quarters of St. James' and Mayfair are not safe from the satirist's eye:
Bobadil Disgrac'd. A Scene exhibited lately in Bond Street. Vide Every Woman in her hum[our.]
[Pub.] Sep. 12 1786 by S. Trent New St.
Coloured engraving. Image 125 x 145mm. Cut.
Captain Bobadil, a character in Ben Jonson's comedy 'Every Man in his Humour', was military braggart.
[Ref: 6894] £60.00 (£72.00 incl.VAT)
Teaching the Unknown Tongue. A Scene in King Street St James's_
CJG [Grant.]
Pubd by Tregear 123 Cheapside April 1st 1832.
Lithograph, foreground outline excised for pasting into scrapbook. 305 x 210mm. 12 x 8¼". Very cut.
Satirical print with at its centre an evangelical preacher, probably Edward Irving (1792 - 1834), and a Mrs. Hall on the dais embracing, with other unlikely couples also canoodling below.
By Charles Jameson Grant (1830 - 1852; fl.).
BM Satires: undescribed.
[Ref: 15553] £350
Nor is Westminster- it may be the seat of government, but beware illicit bloodsports:
Tom & Jerry sporting their blunt on the phenomenon Monkey, Jacco Macacco, at the Westminster Pit.
Drawn & Engraved by I.R. & G. Cruikshank.
Inside Westminster Pit, the famous blood sport arena on Duck Lane, Orchard Street.
[Ref: 21318] £95.00 (£114.00 incl.VAT)
...and take pity upon politicians fallen upon hard times:
The Westminster Mendicant. Ye Christians charitable food and Civil. Pray something give to this poor wondering Devil. By Men cast out, perhaps, by God forgiven, Then may one Judas find a road to Heaven.
[Etched by Thomas Rowlandson]
Publd 11th.1784 by H. Humphrey no.227 Strand.
Hand-coloured etching, scarce. 208 x 146mm. 8¼ x 5¾".
Sir Cecil Wray, represented as a blind beggar, sings in the streets, being led by his dog. He was the rejected candidate for Westminster .
BM Satires: 6578. Grego I 137.
[Ref: 16011] £220.00
This Victorian look at the hustle and bustle of Belgravia is comparatively gentle:
Bird's Eye Views of Society. No. XI. Belgravia out of Doors.
[Richard Doyle.] Dalziel. [George & Edward Dalziel.]
[London: Smith Elder, 1864.]
Wood engraving. 222 x 336mm. 8¾ x 13¼". Two folds, as normal, small nicks and tears.
[Ref: 26885] £70.00 (£84.00 incl.VAT)
Heading down to the Thames, Chelsea Regatta is always a good opportunity for a crowd scene:
A Humorous Scene at the Regatta.
Lon[don]. Mag[azine]. Publish’d as the Act directs Augt. 1. 1775.
Engraving, sheet 115 x 165mm. 4½ x 6½". Slight staining.
Figures trying to gain a good view for the Chelsea Regatta.
[Ref: 17190] £70.00 (£84.00 incl.VAT)
and this should serve as a reminder that larking about on the river is no laughing matter:
A Serious Affair. Which happen'd on Lord Mayor's Day, near Battersea Bridge.
Published 16th. Decr. 1793 by Robt. Sayer & Co. Fleet Street, London.
Etching, 200 x 250mm. 8 x 9¾".
A rowing boat has capsized on the Thames at Battersea.
[Ref: 10376] £160.00 (£192.00 incl.VAT)
And finally, we're pretty sure that it's Hammersmith Bridge that is proving the obstacle in this print:
Crinoline 1861. Clearing the Barrier (Hammersmith Bridge?).
London W.H.J. Carter, Printseller, Bookseller, &c. 12, Regent St. Pall Mall. Printed at 22, Southampton St. Strand.
Lithograph, sheet 380 x 285mm. 15 x 11¼". Facsimile mss. publisher's price list to verso, for '...Prints, Illustrative of Crinoline...beautifully coloured'. Tatty extremities, creases through upper corners.
A satire on the mid 19th century fashion for crinolines, from an annual series on that theme by the same publisher. A lady is helped over turnstiles by a gentleman, a bridge, maybe Hammersmith Bridge, in the background.
[Ref: 15154] £180.00 (£216.00 incl.VAT)
The starting point for this post was Matthew and Mary Darly's 'macaronies', which take the Georgian 'macaroni' (young grand tourists with continental affectations in dress, food etc, hence the name) and from that template derive a series of variations for a range of (often unexpected) London areas:
Publish'd as the Act directs, Septr. 21 1772 by MDarly, 39, Strand.
Etching, 170 x 125mm. 6¾ x 5".
A man in military dress walking swiftly in profile to the right. His right hand holds a cane, his left the hilt of a sabre.
The links between Woolwich, south east London, and the military remain, but were particularly strong in the 18th century. It was home to the Royal Arsenal (dating back to 1471), the Royal Military Academy (est. 1741).
BM Satires: 5034.
[Ref: 14236] £160.00 (£192.00 incl.VAT)
Published according to Act, Octr. 10, 1772. by MDarly, 39, Strand.
Etching, 175 x 125mm. 7 x 5".
A man in profile with hat, sword, and walking stick, intended for a Chelsea Pensioner.
From 'Caricatures, Macaronies & Characters, published by MDarly', in an album of caricatures published by Mary Darly dated January 1776. It seems that her husband Matthew made the plates.
Numbered 'V5' upper left and '1' upper right.
[Ref: 14290] £160.00 (£192.00 incl.VAT)
Pub by MDarly Strand Feby. 24th. 1772 accorg to Act.
Etching, 245 x 175mm. 9¾ x 7".
Two men stand on the pavement outside a doorway under the pediment of which are the royal arms. Beneath them and over the doorway is inscribed, "Lovejoy, Kings arms Tavern’. This appears to be a representation of the entrance to Covent Garden Theatre.
[Ref: 14106] £260
Publish'd according to Act Octr. 22 1772, by MDarly, 39, Strand.
Etching, 170 x 125mm. 6¾ x 5".
A man strides confidently in profile to the right, a tasselled cane under his right arm. His left hand rests on the end of the scabbard of his sword. His hair is in a macaroni club. His hat is low with a curved brim. He wears a ruffled shirt and cravat, striped breeches, and spurred riding-boots.
[Ref: 14303] £180.00 (£216.00 incl.VAT)
The Darlys also published this print, which shows a Phaeton (think of a Georgian sports car) speeding across the then open ground of Spitalfields:
Pub. accord. to Act by M.Darly 39 Strand Jan.y 5. 1773.
Etching, 175 x 270mm, 7 x 10½".
[Ref: 14558] £320.00
Moving from East to North London, a particular favourite of ours is the 'Delights of Islington', which shows a landowner describing the measures he has taken to protect his residence from the 'blood-thirsty Villians [sic]' who have damaged and stolen the ornamental features of his house:
H.W.Bunbury delin. Chas.Bretherton Jun. f.
Publish'd as the Act directs April 30th 1772 By J.Bretherton No.134 New Bond Street.
Etching. 265 x 180mm.
BM Satire 4722.
[Ref: 1026] £160.00 (£192.00 incl.VAT)
A short Phaeton ride from Jeremiah Sago's fantastic estate was Coldbath Fields prison in Clerkenwell, seemingly alluded to in this print by Cruikshank:
Sketched Etched & Published by George Cruikshank Decr. 1833.
A preacher addresses a crowd under umbrellas in the rain outside Coldbath Fields Prison.
[Ref: 12021] £60.00 (£72.00 incl.VAT)
But there is the possibility that the title is a double joke given the content of the image. Firstly, the impromptu assembly place is named 'St Swithins Chapel' for the inescapable effect of the weather upon proceedings (St Swithin is closely associated with weather, particularly rain). And secondly, perhaps the location is given as 'Cold bath fields' because a cold bath is what you will get if you don' bring your umbrella!
We next come to Smithfield, where courtship seemingly involves fighting over a gin bottle, appropriate, given London's current enthusiasm for both gin and Georgian drinking settings:
Published 1.st May 1805
Etching, with very large margins; platemark 200 x 250mm (8 x 9¾").
A couple sit outside a Smithfield gin shop.
[Ref: 29663] £130.00 (£156.00 incl.VAT)
Into our own district of Covent Garden we find the Theatre Royal Drury Lane being rebuilt after the fire of 1809:
Afrus Inv.t. [Walker f.], 1812
Engraving. 300 x 400mm. Creased.
When the Drury Lane Theatre burnt down in 1809 Sheridan was ruined. He turned to his friend Samuel Whitbread (the brewer) for help rebuilding it.
[Ref: 447] £240
and on Monmouth Street, now filled with stylish shops, in the 18th century you could find a butcher:
Published 16th. March 1798, by Laurie & Whittle, 53 Fleet Street, London.
Engraving. Plate 197 x 242mm. 7¾ x 9½".
[Ref: 15447] £130.00 (£156.00 incl.VAT)
and a tailor of dubious judgement:
S. Collings Delt. J. Cooke. Sculpt. St. Mary Axe.
[S.W. Fores. 1789]
Coloured etching 190 x 245mm Trimmed inside plate, publication line cut.
Showing a tailor fitting a man with an overcoat. Other items of clothing are hanging in the shop.
[Ref: 1342] £160.00 (£192.00 incl.VAT)
And this sedan chair journey around Covent Garden anticipates the rickshaws/pedicabs which are so popular in the West End at the moment:
[I. Cruikshank F. ?Woodward del.]
No publication line [Pubd. By T. Tegg 111 Cheapside Decr. 1. 1812.]
Coloured engraving 261 x 345mm Trimmed to plate top and bottom.
Two sailors carry a Sedan Chair across the front of St. Paul's Covent Garden. Watermark 1819.
BM:10900
[Ref: 1447] £240
Satire overturns preconceptions. Even the up-market quarters of St. James' and Mayfair are not safe from the satirist's eye:
[Pub.] Sep. 12 1786 by S. Trent New St.
Coloured engraving. Image 125 x 145mm. Cut.
Captain Bobadil, a character in Ben Jonson's comedy 'Every Man in his Humour', was military braggart.
[Ref: 6894] £60.00 (£72.00 incl.VAT)
CJG [Grant.]
Pubd by Tregear 123 Cheapside April 1st 1832.
Lithograph, foreground outline excised for pasting into scrapbook. 305 x 210mm. 12 x 8¼". Very cut.
Satirical print with at its centre an evangelical preacher, probably Edward Irving (1792 - 1834), and a Mrs. Hall on the dais embracing, with other unlikely couples also canoodling below.
By Charles Jameson Grant (1830 - 1852; fl.).
BM Satires: undescribed.
[Ref: 15553] £350
Nor is Westminster- it may be the seat of government, but beware illicit bloodsports:
Drawn & Engraved by I.R. & G. Cruikshank.
Inside Westminster Pit, the famous blood sport arena on Duck Lane, Orchard Street.
[Ref: 21318] £95.00 (£114.00 incl.VAT)
...and take pity upon politicians fallen upon hard times:
[Etched by Thomas Rowlandson]
Publd 11th.1784 by H. Humphrey no.227 Strand.
Hand-coloured etching, scarce. 208 x 146mm. 8¼ x 5¾".
Sir Cecil Wray, represented as a blind beggar, sings in the streets, being led by his dog. He was the rejected candidate for Westminster .
BM Satires: 6578. Grego I 137.
[Ref: 16011] £220.00
This Victorian look at the hustle and bustle of Belgravia is comparatively gentle:
[Richard Doyle.] Dalziel. [George & Edward Dalziel.]
[London: Smith Elder, 1864.]
Wood engraving. 222 x 336mm. 8¾ x 13¼". Two folds, as normal, small nicks and tears.
[Ref: 26885] £70.00 (£84.00 incl.VAT)
Heading down to the Thames, Chelsea Regatta is always a good opportunity for a crowd scene:
Lon[don]. Mag[azine]. Publish’d as the Act directs Augt. 1. 1775.
Engraving, sheet 115 x 165mm. 4½ x 6½". Slight staining.
Figures trying to gain a good view for the Chelsea Regatta.
[Ref: 17190] £70.00 (£84.00 incl.VAT)
and this should serve as a reminder that larking about on the river is no laughing matter:
Published 16th. Decr. 1793 by Robt. Sayer & Co. Fleet Street, London.
Etching, 200 x 250mm. 8 x 9¾".
A rowing boat has capsized on the Thames at Battersea.
[Ref: 10376] £160.00 (£192.00 incl.VAT)
And finally, we're pretty sure that it's Hammersmith Bridge that is proving the obstacle in this print:
London W.H.J. Carter, Printseller, Bookseller, &c. 12, Regent St. Pall Mall. Printed at 22, Southampton St. Strand.
Lithograph, sheet 380 x 285mm. 15 x 11¼". Facsimile mss. publisher's price list to verso, for '...Prints, Illustrative of Crinoline...beautifully coloured'. Tatty extremities, creases through upper corners.
A satire on the mid 19th century fashion for crinolines, from an annual series on that theme by the same publisher. A lady is helped over turnstiles by a gentleman, a bridge, maybe Hammersmith Bridge, in the background.
[Ref: 15154] £180.00 (£216.00 incl.VAT)
