Cruikshank’s London Almanac, 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
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George Cruikshank’s Comic Alphabet
Mr Cruikshank’s illustrations repay close observation! I particularly like the April Showers scene. I see the folk sheltering from the rain in the entrance to Bath Court and of course the Umbrella Depot takes centre stage. The whole scene takes place in St Swithin’s Lane and to the right it appears that one of the new fangled shower cubicles is for sale. Bravo!
He loved to draw crowds, so this is poignant during the shutdown.
Since no one else has said it, I shall… rest in peace Prince Philip. May angles wings carry you to the light of the Lord. Please hold the Queen and family in your loving arms at this very sad time.
I love the Christmas picture. The faces, expressions, laughing mouths. You can almost hear this picture!