Summer Amusement at Margate, or a Peep at the Mermaids, 1 September 1813
Scope and Contents
Engraving (coloured impression). In the foreground is a low cliff or bank overlooking the sands; from this four elderly men are eagerly and delightedly looking through telescopes at naked ladies disporting in the sea. An angry woman (right) tugs at the coat-tails of one of them; she has a tiny sunshade, and like her husband is grossly fat. Bathing machines are in the water, with hoods covering the steps to the sea. A fat bathing woman pushes a lady up the steps of a machine. Behind the spectators is a 'Circulating Library'; above the lower floors is a large balcony from which more men are gazing through telescopes. On the extreme right is a doorway placarded: 'Hot Sea Baths'; a fat man with a crutch walks in. In the background a jetty projects from the sands, with a windlass, and packages of goods. Behind are small vessels. For Margate as a plebian watering-place cf. No. 6758, etc. Grego, 'Rowlandson', ii. 254 (reproduction). Partial description from the Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires Vol. IX. 12144.
Dates
- Creation: 1 September 1813
Conditions Governing Access
Physical item available by appointment in our Reading Room
Extent
1 Item(s)
Language of Materials
English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and Archives Repository
Western Bank Library
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield South Yorkshire S10 2TN United Kingdom
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