Cruikshank’s London Almanack, 1835
In 1835, George Cruikshank drew these illustrations of the notable seasons and festivals of the year in London for The Comic Almanack published by Charles Tilt of Fleet St. Produced from 1835 – 53, distinguished literary contributors included William Makepeace Thackeray and Henry Mayhew, but I especially enjoy George Cruikshank’s drawings for their detailed observation of the teeming street life of the capital. (Click on any of these images to enlarge)
JANUARY – Everybody freezes
FEBRUARY – Valentine’s Day
MARCH – March winds
APRIL – April showers
MAY – Sweeps on May Day
JUNE – At the Royal Academy
JULY – At Vauxhall Gardens
AUGUST – Oyster day
SEPTEMBER – Bartholomew Fair
OCTOBER – Return to Town
NOVEMBER – Penny for the Guy
DECEMBER – Christmas
You may also enjoy
George Cruikshank’s Comic Alphabet
I particularly like the image for March, which I trust is a gross exaggeration…..
Wonderful treat to be able to enlarge and stare at these marvellous illustrations – and to learn of events I’d never heard of, like ‘Sweeps on May Day’ and ‘Oyster Day’.
Vauxhall Gardens haven’t changed at all!
I love these, particularly April Showers. What is the contraption on the pavement to the right with the sign ‘Showers Bath’? I’m puzzled. Cruickshank having fun?
Sweeps has been revived in Rochester & London.
A jack-in-the-green accompanied by dancers.
Some, because of the sweeps’ association are “blacked-up”
Which confuses some idots, who “think” it’s “racist” the twerps.
Anyone who has read Mayhew’s “London Labour and the London Poor” would recognize all the drawings. Thank you so much for posting them!
Best regards,
Classof65