George Cruikshank’s London Summer
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JULY 1838 – Flying Showers in Battersea Fields
Should you ever require it, here is evidence of the constant volatility of English summer weather, courtesy of George Cruikshank’s Comic Almanack published by Henry Tilt of Fleet St annually between 1835 & 1853, illustrating the festivals and seasons of the year for Londoners. (Click on any of these images to enlarge)
JUNE 1835 – At the Royal Academy
JUNE 1836 – Holidays at the Public Offices
JUNE 1837 – Haymaking
JULY 1835 – At Vauxhall Gardens
JULY 1836 – Dog Days in Houndsditch
JULY 1837 – Fancy Fair
AUGUST 1836 – Bathing at Brighton
AUGUST 1837 – Regatta
SEPTEMBER 1835 – Bartholomew Fair
SEPTEMBER 1837 – Cockney Sportsmen
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OK, you’ve covered some of my favorite topics. Bathing machines! — I’m obsessed with these.
From what I have learned, these heavy enclosures were pulled by horses, to the water’s edge. All the better for m’lady to change into enveloping clothing, head to toe, suitable for bathing. She would step gingerly down the wooden steps, dipping her toes into the waves; her demeanor
ladylike, her modesty preserved.
Equally bundled-up, although languishing in the summer heat, are the office workers. Note that each gent still wears a high collar, constraining tie, buttoned vest, waistcoat, close-fitting trousers, etc. Gentlemen, its Casual Friday. Please dress accordingly.
Loved this grouping of highly-descriptive images. Summer is here!