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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/89
Former ReferenceD5459/3/28
TitleA Peep in the City
Date20 Apr 1802
DescriptionTwo seated men cry into their handkerchiefs, while the Lord Mayor, standing on the right, tries to comfort them. The figure on the left is facing left. He is wearing a pale blue suit and is holding a cane in one hand, and is handkerchief in the other. A brown and white dog sits at his feet. He says:
"I wont be serv'd so - that I wont - my Mamma never serv'd me so - she always let me have as much custard as I could eat - aye and currant jelly too, I wont bear it that I wont."
The next man sits with his back to him. He is wearing yellow breeches and a purple coat and
is also holding a handkerchief and a long cane. He adds:
"Aye - aye - you shan't serve us so again - mind if you don't repent it, - I'll write to I know who about it - and mind if he don't tickle your Toby."
The Lord Mayor stands on the far right, his hands clasped. He is wearing a red suit under a purple robe edged with fur. Around his neck he wears the chains of office and he says:
"O dear - O dear - be good boys and don't say no more about it - I'll send you the remains of the Baron of Beef, to make it up - it is almost untouched - Mr Dig - the singer - eat two or three pounds to clear his voice - or else you may believe it is nearly the same as when it was brought to table." Available on CD 158.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationLondon pubd April 20 1802. By W. Holland. Oxford Street.

The inscription appears to be in the handwriting of Wiliam Woodward, the artist's father.

A printed version is held at the Guildhall Library Print Room, Satirical Print Collection. Catalogue number p5448834.

According to an explanation given by the Worshipful Company of Upholders, the figures depicted are Sheriff Rawlins, Sheriff Cox and the Lord Mayor John Eames. The two Sheriffs boycotted a visit by the Prince of Wales on Easter Monday 1802, and later wrote to the Prince to explain their actions.
Physical DescriptionColoured drawing. Size 365 x 275 mm.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Publication NoteGuildhall p5448834

Worshipful Company of Upholders. Available from:
http://fp.baytreesorg.f9.co.uk/guildhal.htm [Accessed 24 Oct 2003]
Image

A Peep in the City

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