Cruikshank’s London Almanack, 1835
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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
Please have patience with a hapless American who did NOT, ahem, know what “Sweeps on May Day” was about. However, after a pleasurable research session online this morning, I am older and wiser. I love this concept of “following a man dressed as a bush all through the town”. Oh, you
wonderful Brits and your folk traditions. Love it. Tossing bits of foliage your way!
WOW amazing Thank you