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Jonathan Wild Collection

"Jonathan Wild: The Rise and Fall of a Notorious Thief-Taker" Step into the dark underbelly of 18th-century London as we delve into the captivating life of Jonathan Wild

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild

Jonathan Wild
3119273 Jonathan Wild; (add.info.: Portrait of Jonathan Wild (1683-1725) a London underworld figure notable for operating on both sides of the law

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild

Jonathan Wild
3585887 Jonathan Wild; (add.info.: Portrait of Jonathan Wild (1683-1725) a London underground figure who would operate on both sides of the law. Dated 18th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild unkennelling Butler (engraving)

Jonathan Wild unkennelling Butler (engraving)
2786944 Jonathan Wild unkennelling Butler (engraving) by Browne, Hablot Knight (Phiz) (1815-92) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jonathan Wild unkennelling Butler)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild Thief-Taker General of Great Britain and Ireland (engraving)

Jonathan Wild Thief-Taker General of Great Britain and Ireland (engraving)
821304 Jonathan Wild Thief-Taker General of Great Britain and Ireland (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild, notorious criminal and thief-taker (engraving)

Jonathan Wild, notorious criminal and thief-taker (engraving)
583376 Jonathan Wild, notorious criminal and thief-taker (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jonathan Wild)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild in the Cart (engraving)

Jonathan Wild in the Cart (engraving)
654163 Jonathan Wild in the Cart (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jonathan Wild in the Cart)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild (chromolitho)

Jonathan Wild (chromolitho)
2799742 Jonathan Wild (chromolitho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jonathan Wild. Illustration from set of cigarette cards on the subject of Highwaymen published)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Illustration for Jack Sheppard (engraving)

Illustration for Jack Sheppard (engraving)
3628268 Illustration for Jack Sheppard (engraving) by Cruikshank, George (1792-1878) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jonathan Wild discovers Darrell in the loft)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Mr Seymour Hicks, as Jonathan Wild, in 'Little Jack Sheppard'(b / w photo)

Mr Seymour Hicks, as Jonathan Wild, in "Little Jack Sheppard"(b / w photo)
726320 Mr Seymour Hicks, as Jonathan Wild, in " Little Jack Sheppard" (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Seymour Hicks)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild in the Condemned Cell (engraving)

Jonathan Wild in the Condemned Cell (engraving)
3628824 Jonathan Wild in the Condemned Cell (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jonathan Wild in the Condemned Cell)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild in the cart, from a contemporary print (engraving)

Jonathan Wild in the cart, from a contemporary print (engraving)
3636417 Jonathan Wild in the cart, from a contemporary print (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jonathan Wild in the cart, from a contemporary print)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: House in the Old Bailey once the residence of Jonathan Wild (engraving)

House in the Old Bailey once the residence of Jonathan Wild (engraving)
584129 House in the Old Bailey once the residence of Jonathan Wild (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: The New Record Office (b / w photo)

The New Record Office (b / w photo)
1605154 The New Record Office (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Record Office. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 14 March 1896)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wilds skeleton (engraving)

Jonathan Wilds skeleton (engraving)
970530 Jonathan Wilds skeleton (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jonathan Wilds skeleton)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wilds House, 1813, (1925). Creator: Unknown

Jonathan Wilds House, 1813, (1925). Creator: Unknown
Jonathan Wilds House, 1813, (1925). View of the house which was once the residence of extortionist Jonathan Wild (1682-1725), in Old Bailey, London

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: CM26 2279 Jonathan Wild, Ford Fiesta XR2

CM26 2279 Jonathan Wild, Ford Fiesta XR2
Jonathan Wild, Ford Fiesta XR2, SE Tin Tops Championship, BARC, British Automobile Racing Club, National Championship, Brands Hatch, October 2018, cars, Classic Racing Cars, Historic Racing

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: CJ7 5593 Jonathan Wild, Ford Fiesta XR2

CJ7 5593 Jonathan Wild, Ford Fiesta XR2
Jonathan Wild, Ford Fiesta XR2, SE Tin Tops Championship, BARC, British Automobile Racing Club, National Championship, Brands Hatch, October 2018, cars, Classic Racing Cars, Historic Racing

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: House which was once the residence of Jonathan Wild in Old Bailey, City of London, 1813

House which was once the residence of Jonathan Wild in Old Bailey, City of London, 1813

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Newgate, London, c1750

Newgate, London, c1750
The London rairey shows or who ll step into Ketchs Theatre, c1750; view of Newgate, London, with a menagerie on the right

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Chick Lane, City of London, 1825. Artist: Robert Blemmell Schnebbelie

Chick Lane, City of London, 1825. Artist: Robert Blemmell Schnebbelie
Chick Lane, City of London, 1825. West view of Jonathan Wilds House on Chick Lane with figures and a horse and cart in the foreground

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild in the Cart, 1878

Jonathan Wild in the Cart, 1878
Jonathan Wild in the Cart.(from a contemporary Print).Engraving from Old and new London Volume 2 by Walter Thornbury.Published by Cassell, Petter and Galpin, 1878

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wilds House, 1878

Jonathan Wilds House, 1878
Jonathan Wilds House.Engraving from Old and new London Volume 2 by Walter Thornbury.Published by Cassell, Petter and Galpin, 1878

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild (engraving)

Jonathan Wild (engraving)
XJF438406 Jonathan Wild (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jonathan Wild (1683-1725)

Background imageJonathan Wild Collection: Jonathan Wild in the Cart, London, UK, 19th century engraving

Jonathan Wild in the Cart, London, UK, 19th century engraving



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"Jonathan Wild: The Rise and Fall of a Notorious Thief-Taker" Step into the dark underbelly of 18th-century London as we delve into the captivating life of Jonathan Wild, a man whose name became synonymous with deceit and treachery. In this satirical invitation-card to his execution, witness the irony that surrounds his downfall. Known as the thief-taker general of Great Britain and Ireland, Wild's engraving portrays him in all his cunning glory. But behind this facade lies a web of corruption and manipulation that would ultimately lead to his demise. One engraving captures Joseph Blake, also known as Blueskin, attempting to cut Wild's throat on the leads before the old Sessions house. This chilling scene serves as a testament to the numerous enemies he made throughout his criminal career. As we follow Jonathan Wild on his journey towards justice, another engraving depicts him going to the place of execution. A ticket for this very event further emphasizes society's eagerness to witness the fall from grace of such an infamous figure. Justice Hall in Old Bailey stands tall in yet another engraving, serving as a reminder that even those who enforce law can succumb to its temptations. Here we see Jonathan Wild being unmasked by Butler – an act symbolizing how truth eventually prevails over deception. Wild's notoriety is further emphasized through various engravings showcasing him as both thief-taker general and notorious criminal. These contrasting images highlight society's fascination with individuals who straddle both sides of morality. In one particularly striking chromolitho titled "Jonathan Wild in Cart, " we witness him at what could be considered rock bottom – shackled and condemned by society. This image encapsulates just how far he fell from grace after years spent manipulating others for personal gain. Finally, an illustration for Jack Sheppard offers insight into how deeply embedded Jonathan Wild was within London's criminal underworld. His influence extended beyond mere theft, as he became a central figure in the lives of infamous criminals.