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Coster Collection (#3)

"Coster: A Vibrant Tapestry of Music, Entertainment, and Fashion" Step back in time to the enchanting world acts that captivated audiences throughout history

Background imageCoster Collection: Illness Notice, Malmesbury Workhouse, Wiltshire

Illness Notice, Malmesbury Workhouse, Wiltshire
A notice sent by Mr C.M. Gane, master of the Malmesbury Union workhouse, to a friend or relative of inmate Hezekiah Coster informing them that Coster was very ill. Date: 1896

Background imageCoster Collection: Statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster, Haarlem

Statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster, Haarlem
Statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster and the Grote Kerk or St. Balo Church in Haarlem, Holland circa 2008

Background imageCoster Collection: Milton [Coster]

Milton [Coster]
JOHN MILTON English writer Date: 1608-1674

Background imageCoster Collection: Coster with his barrow, London

Coster with his barrow, London
A coster with his barrow, loaded with fruit, on a London street

Background imageCoster Collection: A London Coster

A London Coster
A London street coster, with his cart of fruit. A veritable cornucopia, wonderfully displayed on a white cloth and as spectacularly opulent in its variety, as the coster is dour in face!

Background imageCoster Collection: Crowded out

Crowded out
A potato coster laments the progress in motorised traffic and predicts the future obsolesence of horse drawn vehicles. The caption reads - Stage Struck coster (to his dark coloured donkey)

Background imageCoster Collection: Marylebone Schoolhouse

Marylebone Schoolhouse
A horseman and a coster with his donkey pass each other outside the school house at Mary-le-bone

Background imageCoster Collection: Coster King by William Barribal

Coster King by William Barribal
A coster complete with traditional pearly king outfit

Background imageCoster Collection: Alec Hurley / Pyke 1927

Alec Hurley / Pyke 1927
ALEC HURLEY Music hall entertainer, tenor singer of coster songs

Background imageCoster Collection: London Coster / Scrap

London Coster / Scrap
A London costerman, balancing a basket of fruit on his head, calls out to attract trade; his apprentice rides a carrot- chewing mule laden with more produce

Background imageCoster Collection: New Year Clown & Coster

New Year Clown & Coster
A clown makes a coster pull a cart, while the poor old donkey has a free ride for a change

Background imageCoster Collection: Pearly King in Australia

Pearly King in Australia
A Pearly King at Ingleburn, Australia, asks a group of Diggers to guess the correct number of buttons on his coster suit

Background imageCoster Collection: A London coster and his girlfriend

A London coster and his girlfriend, riding in an open cart




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"Coster: A Vibrant Tapestry of Music, Entertainment, and Fashion" Step back in time to the enchanting world acts that captivated audiences throughout history. From the Minnie Duncan music hall coster act to Arthur Godfrey's lively performances, these talented individuals brought joy and laughter to all. In 1852, witness the spectacle of The Re-cut Koh-i-noor Diamond as it dazzles under the spotlight. Its brilliance matched only by the mesmerizing voice of ALEC HURLEY, a renowned English music hall singer who delighted crowds with his tenor renditions of beloved coster songs. Immerse yourself in nostalgia as Mr Albert Chevalier takes center stage with his captivating recitals. His words resonate deeply, painting vivid pictures of life in London's bustling streets. The allure doesn't stop there – feast your eyes on captivating photographs like the Fifty Shilling Tailors Advert and Brylcreem Advertisement. These snapshots capture not just fashion trends but also reflect societal aspirations during those times. Venture into a world where art meets entertainment through Fred Russell's ventriloquist act. Witness him bring characters to life with astonishing skill and comedic timing. Marvel at masterpieces such as "Coster with Dogs, " an oil on canvas that portrays a heartwarming bond between man and canine companion. And don't miss "Self-Portrait as a Costermonger, " which offers an intimate glimpse into an artist's unique perspective on their own identity. Finally, let us not forget the Pearly King - or is it perhaps a Pearly Prince? Behold this little boy adorned in fancy dress, embodying tradition and heritage passed down through generations. Join us on this journey through time as we celebrate the rich tapestry woven by these remarkable costers – entertainers who left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.