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A Sketch in the Streets of London, 1858. Creator: Unknown
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A Sketch in the Streets of London, 1858. Creator: Unknown
A Sketch in the Streets of London, 1858. Engraving...from a Sketch of M. Louis Bulewski...of a very curious specimen of English nomads...We do not know how better to describe their general costume and appearance than by saying that it is akin to that with which Mr. Dickens has invested Barnaby Budge, plus a certain amount of unwashedness...they bear about them some marks of gipsy origin in their bright dark eyes and long elf locks...It is believed that these particular street Arabs of London are known under the generic name of "birds-nest-sellers;" and the owl's nest in the Sketch before us, which is arranged with an almost artistic effort, would seem to bear out the designation...they deal in birds nests of every kind, snakes, slow-worms, adders, lizards, hedgehogs, frogs, and snails...They also gather bulrushes, which they sell to bird-stuffers...It is stated that snakes sell for five shillings a pound...Frogs fetch sixpence and a shilling a dozen, and it is gravely asserted are regularly and constantly purchased by Frenchmen for culinary purposes; and one itinerant vender of these quasi comestibles is said to have supplied the keeper of a French hotel in Leicester-square regularly with three dozen a week during the season'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858
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Media ID 36377068
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A Sketch in the Streets of London, 1858
EDITORS COMMENTS
is an intriguing engraving that captures the image of a group of London street urchins, a curious sight that was common in the mid-19th century. The creator of this sketch remains unknown, but it was published in the "Illustrated London News" in 1858, and was described in the publication as "from a Sketch of M. Louis Bulewski." The image depicts a group of children, dressed in ragged clothing, huddled around an owl's nest, which they appear to be selling. Their appearance is described as reminiscent of the characters in Charles Dickens' Barnaby Rudge, with dark, bright eyes and long, unkempt hair. These children are believed to have been known as "birds-nest-sellers," and the meticulously arranged owl's nest in the sketch seems to support this designation. The children in the sketch dealt in various items, including birds' nests, snakes, slow-worms, adders, lizards, hedgehogs, frogs, and snails. They also gathered bulrushes, which they sold to bird-stuffers. The prices for these items were quite substantial, with snakes selling for five shillings a pound, frogs fetching sixpence and a shilling a dozen, and it was reportedly a regular occurrence for Frenchmen to purchase frogs for culinary purposes. One vendor of these quasi-comestibles was said to have supplied a French hotel in Leicester-square with three dozen a week during the season. This engraving offers a glimpse into the lives of the street children of London during the mid-19th century, providing a snapshot of their daily activities and the items they sold to make a living. The image is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of urban poverty and the resourcefulness of those who lived on the streets.
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