Walking London's streets

The Art of Walking the streets of London, plate 2nd, George Cruickshank after George Moutard Woodward, 1813, Hand coloured etching.

The second area of the exhibition London, concentrates on London itself and the comic topography that emerged in satire.

London provided more than just a backdrop for satire's human comedy. Its areas and associations were as familiar to its audience as were the city gent or the chimney sweep.

The uniqueness and appeal of satirical tours of the city are their eye level viewpoint: to enter the vastness of the city and make your way through it. This section concentrates on the dangers of London's streets.

       

The title from John Gay's eighteenth century perambulatory satire: 'Trivia: or 'The art of walking the streets of London', published in 1716, provided the title for the main plate above, by George Cruikshank. It is divided into 4 frames each showing a variety of anti social behaviour on the streets.