St Bartholomews Fair Collection

The Fiends Frying Pan or Annual Festival of Tom Foolery & Vice, pub
2909748 The Fiends Frying Pan or Annual Festival of Tom Foolery & Vice, pub. 1832 (hand coloured engraving) by Cruikshank, George (1792-1878); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English

Bartholomew Fair, 1807. 1807. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Bartholomew Fair, 1807

Bartholomew Fair, February 1, 1808. February 1, 1808. Creator: J. Bluck
Bartholomew Fair, February 1, 1808

The last dying speech of Bartlemy Fair, 1855. Artist
The last dying speech of Bartlemy Fair, 1855. The cover design for this song sheet celebrates Bartholomew Fair held in West Smithfield which was suppressed in 1855

Bartholomew Fair, West Smithfield, City of London, 1813. Artist
Bartholomew Fair, West Smithfield, City of London, 1813

Bartholomew Fair, West Smithfield, London, c1825. The form of the print is semicircular because it was intended to be a decoration for a fan

The Bartholomew fair Musician, Cries of London, (1688?)
The Bartholomew fair Musician. A man dressed in a costume playing a cello. From Cries of London, (1688?)

Bartholomew Fair, London, c1715. Artist: Louis du Guernier
Bartholomew Fair, London, c1715. In the middle distance a man stands behind another man and distracts him by tickling his ear, thereby allowing him to pick his pockets undetected

Bartholomew Fair, West Smithfield, London, c1830. Artist: J Graf
Bartholomew Fair, West Smithfield, London, c1830. In the foreground figures eat oysters from a stall and in the middle a boy and a man attempt to pick the pocket of a corpulent man

Bartholomew Fair: From the Inside, 1942. Artist: R. Cruikshank
Bartholomew Fair: From the Inside, 1942. From Fairs, Circuses and Music Halls, by M. Wilson Disher. [Collins, London, 1942]

Bartholomew Fair: From the Outside, 1942. Artists: Thomas Rowlandson, Augustus Charles Pugin
Bartholomew Fair: From the Outside, 1942. From Fairs, Circuses and Music Halls, by M. Wilson Disher. [Collins, London, 1942]

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Step right up to St. Bartholomew's Fair, the annual festival of tomfoolery and vice. This historic event has been captivating Londoners for centuries, drawing crowds from far and wide. The fair is a melting pot of excitement, filled with thrilling attractions that will leave you breathless. One iconic feature of the fair is "The Fiends Frying Pan, " a pub where merriment knows no bounds. Here, laughter echoes through the air as friends gather to share tales and raise their glasses in celebration. It's a place where strangers become fast friends amidst the lively atmosphere. Dating back to 1807, Thomas Rowlandson captured the essence of Bartholomew Fair in his vibrant artwork. His depiction showcases bustling streets adorned with colorful stalls and eager visitors seeking thrills at every turn. Journeying further into history, J. Bluck's portrayal from February 1st, 1808 transports us back in time to experience the magic firsthand. The scene comes alive with acrobats performing daring feats, merchants hawking their wares, and musicians filling the air with enchanting melodies. But it wasn't just about entertainment; Bartlemy Fair had its darker side too. In 1855, an artist illustrated "The Last Dying Speech of Bartlemy Fair. " This somber image reminds us that even amid revelry there lies an inevitable end – a reminder to seize each moment before it slips away. West Smithfield was home to this grand spectacle throughout history as depicted by various artists like Louis du Guernier in c1715 or J Graf around c1830. Their works capture not only the vibrancy but also provide glimpses into how society evolved over time while still cherishing this beloved tradition. Transport yourself back even further with "The Bartholomew fair Musician" from Cries of London (1688?).