Rowlandson the Caricaturist; a Selection from His Works. Vol. 2Grego, Joseph
History
Rowlandson the Caricaturist; a Selection from His Works. Vol. 2
Grego, Joseph
English wit and humor, Pictorial; Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827
The artist has given a view of the 'pigeon-holes' at Drury Lane, as the
new gallery in 'the house that Jack built' was derisively christened;
the present plate offers a burlesque representation of the refined
parts of the house, taken possession of by a company more miscellaneous
than select. The 'rabbit-hutches,' at seven shillings, are given up
to owls and deaf people; a narrow row below, in which the space is so
confined that it is impossible for the spectators to stand upright, is
held by Irish cabmen, roughs smoking long clay pipes, &c.; below these,
in the _boudoirs pour la noblesse_, we find the servants of the great,
dramdrinking, hobanobbing, and flirting. The occupants of the rest of
the private boxes are of a ruffianly type; big sticks and publican's
pewter measures are noticeable, besides gentlemen with damaged optics,
and without coats; a great dog, ladies from St. Giles's, and similarly
distinguished members of society. A scene of quarrelling, practical
joking, and general uproar is proceeding below.
_December 23, 1809._ _A Peep at the Gas Lights in Pall Mall._
Woodward del., Rowlandson sc.--The sketch represents a view of the
first thoroughfare where gas was employed to illuminate the streets.
Mr. Ackermann, the publisher, was one of the earliest to light his
Repository with gas, which he manufactured for the purpose, and was at
considerable expense in providing apparatus and making experiments in
improving the process. The sightseers are lost in wonder and admiration
at the novelty of finding gas burning in the streets; the lamps are
arranged in branches of three. A gentleman of fashion is endeavouring
to explain the science of gas-making to an elegant creature on his arm:
'The coals being steamed, produce tar or paint for the outside of
houses; the smoke passing through water is deprived of substance, and
burns as you see.' An Irish visitor, who has, uninvited, been attending
to this lucid explanation, is bursting out with 'Arrah, honey, if this
man brings fire through water we shall soon have the Thames and the
Liffey burnt down, and all the pretty little herrings and whales burnt
to cinders!' Amongst other wondergazers is a country farmer, who is
exclaiming, 'Wauns, what a main pretty light it be! we have nothing
like it in our country.' A Quaker, his companion, is responding, 'Ay,
friend, but it is all vanity; what is this to the inward light?' The
more disreputable members of the community are reflecting that the new
light will expose their depravities and put a stop to their commerce.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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