Comments on: Vagabondiana

By: Robin Michael Healey

Robin Michael Healey — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 21:59:08 +0000

Today I bought a copy of this book at auction, but looking at some of the plates you have reproduced I am puzzled as to why a book published in 1817 should feature engravings dated 1819.Was there a second edition of Vagabondiana ?

By: JAN MARSH

JAN MARSH — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 13:29:56 +0000

The names of the two disabled beggars of African ancestry are known:
the guy with model ship on his hat was JOSEPH JOHNSON
the crossing sweeper was CHARLES MCGEE

they were quite famous, both on the streets and in ‘low life’ illustration

By: Jennifer Blain

Jennifer Blain — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 07:38:21 +0000

There is a generosity in the drawing that is rare in images of the poor. Perhaps because of this I find them heart-wrenching too. Thank you Gentle Author. Preparing this must have given you much pleasure.

By: Jill Wilson

Jill Wilson — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 08:44:20 +0000

I agree with Pauline Taylor that the drawing skills shown here are incredible, and the way he has managed to convey so much with just simple lines and cross hatching is wonderful.

And added to that the humane compassion he has managed to convey for the characters depicted and these drawings are a real treat to savour.

Thanks GA.

By: Pamela Traves

Pamela Traves — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 03:59:12 +0000

This Paintings are So Amazing!! I want each One!!! ??????

By: paul loften

paul loften — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 14:35:31 +0000

If we were somehow to be able to be transported back in time to the streets of London as they were then how would we manage to cope and bear the heart-wrenching sights that we would see? We think ourselves as people of the world but the world we know is as we see now and that can be bad enough !.
Thank you for showing us these remarkable portraits

By: Chris Webb

Chris Webb — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 14:20:15 +0000

Did anybody else notice that the Zs in the last etching but one are back to front?

By: Chris Webb

Chris Webb — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 14:14:32 +0000

To me these feel like the immediate predecessors of John Thomson’s photographs.
https://spitalfieldslife.com/2011/03/28/john-thomsons-street-life-in-london/

By: Marnie

Marnie — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 11:20:35 +0000

I am staggered by the melody of your phrasing in this particular story.
Your love and respect for the English language is always foremost.
Thank you for reminding us of such possibilities.
The responsibility is always upon the writer.

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 10:30:28 +0000

The History of Costume mavens thank you, GA! This is a total bonanza……note the intricate detail of the various hats, footwear, waistcoats, and smocks. Why, even the dancing dog is in full
regalia! And look at the detail the artist lavished on that quilt — I think he must have modeled that on one in his own quarters.

Again…..such rich stories, and such wonderful distraction.
We are lucky to have you.
Stay safe.