Hackney Coach & Cabriolet Fares - Regulations and Acts of Parliament SILK BROADSIDE

Enormous (87x90cm) ivory silk broadside (could this ever have been regarded as a handkerchief?) in good condition. Printed in black ink and attributed to J. Bishop of 79 Charterhouse Lane, presumed to date from before 1834 when Hansom patented the 'Hansom Cab', a light two-wheeled cab with driver riding on top, much used in London.

The central area is divided into nine sections, five showing London buildings (new Post Office, Royal Exchange, St Paul’s, King’s Theatre and Covent Garden Theatre); four with Hackney coach and cabriolet fares, regulations and acts of parliament. The border contains fares and carriage types for journeys to and from all areas within London.

PHYSICAL CONDITION: Hand stitched hems very good, very lightly frayed along top edge. Two holes are visible to the darkened foreground and centre of the St Paul’s panel where the silk has rubbed through; a small section of wear is just visible to the left fore edge and a couple of very small stains reveal themselves on close inspection. All folds are otherwise very sound. A scarce and aesthetically very pleasing piece of London transport ephemera.

OCLC: 956422696 - one copy at Yale