Slumming Collection

"Slummers"(engraving)
664390 " Slummers" (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: " Slummers." Illustration from The Life)

Fashionable couple slumming it on the Boulevard du Temple, Paris. The Boulevard des Petits Spectacles, 1808. In the background, crowds mill around in front of the many small theatres on the street

Woman leading a horse in the Parc de Bagatelle, 1807
Woman in hunting dress, bonnet and kerchief leading a horse in the Parc de Bagatelle, Bois de Boulogne, Paris, 1807. A check in the park at Bagatelle

Irish gentlemen slumming it in a barnyard shebeen, Dublin. Peg-leg officer falls among pigs, geese and potatoes. Disagreeable Adventures of Brian Boru

Army officers performing the Wetting the Commission ritual
Army officers performing a ritual commission ceremony. An officer wets a document in a bowl of punch with a sword at the Elephant and Castle pub. Wetting an Irish Commission

Practical Charity (engraving)
6010337 Practical Charity (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Practical Charity)

Fashionable couple slumming it on the Boulevard du Temple, Paris. The Boulevard des Petits Spectacles, 1808
5913045 Fashionable couple slumming it on the Boulevard du Temple, Paris. The Boulevard des Petits Spectacles, 1808. In the background

Composition et dessin de M Karl Girardet (engraving)
3644312 Composition et dessin de M Karl Girardet (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Composition et dessin de M Karl Girardet)

The Very Latest Craze; or, Overdoing it, 1883 (engraving)
XJF3037905 The Very Latest Craze; or, Overdoing it, 1883 (engraving) by Du Maurier, George (1834-96); Private Collection; (add.info)

The slumming party at Bethlehem. Illustration shows a scene in a manger with Mary on the left and a small group of well dressed wealthy people standing on the right, in the back of the manger

The Bowery Burlesquers presenting an original burletta on the latest New York craze, Slumming. Date c1898

Make-Believe Muffin-Man
A little boy in picturesque green costume plays at being a muffin-man in a brooding, leafy landscape. He wanders up a pathway leaving his playmates behind

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"Exploring the Depths: A Glimpse into the World of Slumming" Intriguing and controversial, "slumming" was a peculiar pastime that captivated the fashionable elite of yesteryears. From the enchanting streets of Paris to the vibrant corners of Dublin, this phenomenon took various forms, allowing individuals to temporarily immerse themselves in unfamiliar environments. An exquisite engraving titled "Slummers" transports us back to an era where a fashionable couple boldly ventured onto the Boulevard du Temple in Paris. In 1808, another handcoloured lithograph captures their counterparts strolling along the Boulevard des Petits Spectacles amidst bustling crowds and small theatres. The Parc de Bagatelle witnessed its own slumming encounter in 1807 as a woman led a horse through its grounds. Meanwhile, Irish gentlemen sought excitement within barnyard shebeens in Dublin – reveling in an atmosphere far removed from their usual refined settings. Not limited to mere observation, army officers partook in rituals such as Wetting the Commission – an act symbolizing camaraderie and shared experiences among comrades. Practical Charity also found its place within this trend; individuals engaged with those less fortunate while maintaining their social status. Delving further into slumming's allure, we stumble upon illustrations depicting scenes like The Twigs or Christmas at Ruddock Hall - showcasing how even during festive times, society indulged in these unconventional adventures. An intriguing engraving by M Karl Girardet invites us into his composition and design world – perhaps hinting at his own fascination with this captivating practice. As time progressed towards 1883, "Overdoing it" became known as The Very Latest Craze – emphasizing society's insatiable appetite for novelty and thrill-seeking escapades. Even Bethlehem experienced a slumming party that left lasting impressions on both participants and locals alike.