The poor of the London streets

Twelve London cries, No.8, Rare Mackeral, Paul Sandby 1760

Satirical images depict all aspects of society and the homeless and destitute were no exception as they were a common sight on the London streets.

Although the poor feature in all periods of satire, the attitudes towards them very obviously change from the butt of bawdry humour to a sympathetic portrayal: from slapstick to irony.

       

The main print above is one of a series of twelve etchings of London street traders, known as 'London Cries', by Paul Sandby. The low and vulgar nature of the seller are emphasised by Sandby, as she argues with the servant peering from behind a door.