Speculations Collection

The Ladder of Fortune. Industry and Morality bring solid rewards. Idle schemes and speculations yield poverty and ruin. Date: 1875

Mania / Hudson Off Rails
OFF THE RAIL The speculations of railway financier George King Hudson (1800-1871), start to collapse

Cartoon, satire on Albert Grant, the graves representing his shady speculations (engraving)
586239 Cartoon, satire on Albert Grant, the graves representing his shady speculations (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Cartoon)

Speculations on the Railway (engraving)
1625255 Speculations on the Railway (engraving) by Meadows, Joseph Kenny (1770-1874) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Speculations on the Railway)

The Modern Phaeton (colour litho)
2813052 The Modern Phaeton (colour litho) by Anderson, Martin " Cynicus" (1854-1932); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Modern Phaeton)

Henry Maydman
HENRY MAYDMAN Writer on naval matters, author of Naval Speculations Date: 1639 - ?

Britannia looking aghast as George Hudson (1800-1871) reveals the list of railway speculations in which he is involved. Hudson overreached himself and was prosecuted for fraud

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The Ladder of Fortune: A Satirical Look at George Hudson's Speculations (1850s) George Hudson, the 'Railway King,' stood before Britannia, a look of smug satisfaction on his face as he unveiled his latest railway scheme. But beneath the surface of his grand announcement, a web of shady deals and mania-induced hype lurked. In this colorful collection of satirical engravings and lithographs, we see Hudson's schemes unfold like a cartoonish tale. The 'Speculations on the Railway' and 'The Modern Phaeton' depict the wild excitement and financial instability that accompanied each new railway announcement. But as we delve deeper into the satire, we find Hudson's grave represented in 'The Satires of Cynicus' as a reminder of the empty promises and ruined fortunes left in the wake of his speculations. Henry Maydman, the talented satirical artist, masterfully captured the essence of the era's financial mania and the consequences of Hudson's questionable business practices. These engravings serve as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the dangers of unchecked speculation and the importance of scrutinizing the fine print before climbing the ladder of fortune.