Bell Ringer Collection

The Peace Rejoicings - Ringing the Bells, 1856. Creator: Unknown
The Peace Rejoicings - Ringing the Bells, 1856. Celebrating the end of the Crimean War. From "Illustrated London News", 1856

Allegory of Abuses by the Authorities of Church and State, 1570-1580. Creator: Gillis Mostaert
Allegory of Abuses by the Authorities of Church and State, 1570-1580. Alternative title: The Haywain: An Allegory of Worldly and Spiritual Abuses

The Fatal Bellman, 1827. Creator: George Richmond
The Fatal Bellman, 1827. It was the owl that shriek'd the fatal bell-man'; scene from Shakespeare's Macbeth. The hoot of an owl flying over one's house was an evil omen

The Bow-Bell Peal on Christmas Eve, 1850. Creator: Unknown
The Bow-Bell Peal on Christmas Eve, 1850. Illustration to a piece by John Timbs. View of ringers in the belfry in Bow Church, London, during a peal

The Actor Bando Hikosaburo II as Fujitaro, disguised as the ferryman Tomokichi, in the pla... 1767
The Actor Bando Hikosaburo II as Fujitaro, disguised as the ferryman Tomokichi, in the play " Shomei Mugen no Kane, " performed at the Nakamura Theater in the ninth month, 1767, Japan, 1767

The carillonist (colour litho)
2780020 The carillonist (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The carillonist. Le carillonneur. Paques fete des cloches)

A bell-ringer struck by lightning (colour litho)
2779645 A bell-ringer struck by lightning (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A bell-ringer struck by lightning. Un sonneur de cloches foudroye)

Waiting for the bell he would fling himself upon it (colour litho)
3627118 Waiting for the bell he would fling himself upon it (colour litho) by Fournier, Louis Edouard Paul (1857-1917); Private Collection; (add.info)

A bell ringer crushed by a church bell (colour litho)
2779570 A bell ringer crushed by a church bell (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A bell ringer crushed by a church bell. Ecrase par une cloche)

The Spirits of the Bells, illustration to The Chimes
DHM139129 The Spirits of the Bells, illustration to The Chimes by Charles Dickens (1812-70) 1845 (colour engraving) by English School, (19th century); Charles Dickens Museum, London

Wedding Bells
NOO69079 Wedding Bells by Hayllar, James (1829-1920); Private Collection; Photo eJohn Noott Galleries, Broadway, Worcestershire, UK; English, out of copyright

Town crier reading the news, c. 1925 (screenprint)
1126263 Town crier reading the news, c.1925 (screenprint) by Dadd, Frank (1851-1929); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration by Frank Dadd of an early American town crier reading the news to)

Bell ringers - illustration by Birket Foster
3783600 Bell ringers - illustration by Birket Foster by Foster, Myles Birket (1825-99); (add.info.: Bell ringers - illustration by Birket Foster, 1872. Christmas with the Poets, 1872)

A Peal of Church Bells, from a collection of pamphlets on esoterica, c
STC195018 A Peal of Church Bells, from a collection of pamphlets on esoterica, c.16th century (woodcut) by English School; Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright

Religion: Arthur Michael Ramsey. The Archbishop of Canterbury tolling the bell, high up in the belfry of Canterbury Cathedral today (Sat)

Bells, from the Musical Instruments series (N82) for Duke brand cigarettes, 1888. 1888
Bells, from the Musical Instruments series (N82) for Duke brand cigarettes, 1888

Anton Brees playing the Sanctuary Bells at the Singing Tower - near Lake Wales, Florida, USA (Bok Mountain Lake Sanctuary). Date: circa 1930s

Bell-ringer with the stand for his bells, 1820. Artist: Thomas Lord Busby
Bell-ringer with the stand for his bells, 1820. Standing behind the bell stand about to hit one of the bells on the left

Peace rejoicings, 1856. From The Illustrated London News (31 May 1856)

La lanterne! in winter; L eau in summer, 1737-1742. Artist: Bouchardon
La lanterne! in winter; L eau in summer, 1737-1742. A bell-ringer cries La lanterne! [lantern] and L eau [water]. Part of a series called Paris Street Cries, by Bouchardon

Initial letter O, 14th century, (1843). Artist: Henry Shaw
Initial letter O, 14th century, (1843). Musicians playing on bells, pipes and stringed instruments. Illustration from Dresses

HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. Quasimodo, the hunchback bell ringer of Notre Dame de Paris in Victor Hugos novel, first published in 1831. Engraving after Adolphe Steinhell (?-1908)

The Bell Ringer from The Complete Works of Beranger, 1836. Creator: John Thompson
The Bell Ringer from The Complete Works of Beranger, 1836

CHRISTMAS, 1911. Hark the herald angels sing. Illustration by Jessie Gillespie, 1911

ENGLAND: BELLMAN, 1616. Woodcut from the title page to Thomas Dekkers pamphlet, The Bellman of London, 1616

Roger Smith, Bell Ringer (engraving)
XJF438411 Roger Smith, Bell Ringer (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Roger Smith (dates unknown)

Entertainment at the old folks party at Foots Cray Baptist Hall, Kent. 1938

Mr Philip Hodgkin, Kents oldest bellringer. 1939

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"Bell Ringer: A Melodic Journey Through Time and Art" Step into the world of bell ringers, where their captivating stories unfold through various forms of art. From ancient Japanese theater to colorful lithographs, illustrations, and even screenprints, the enigmatic role of a bell ringer is brought to life. In 1767, Kitao Shigemasa's creation introduces us to Fujitaro disguised as Tomokichi in the play "Bell Ringer. " The actor Bando Hikosaburo II mesmerizes audiences with his portrayal of this intriguing character. Moving forward in time, a vibrant color lithograph showcases a carillonist skillfully playing bells that resonate throughout the air. The music they create carries emotions and messages beyond words. Delving deeper into artistic expressions surrounding bell ringers, we encounter unexpected scenes. In one illustration from an unknown manuscript, a rabbit funeral procession takes place on its margins—a whimsical tribute to these mystical figures. Esmeralda from "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" captivates our imagination as she stands alongside her loyal goat Djali. Together they form an unlikely duo amidst the grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral—an enchanting tale intertwined with bells echoing through Parisian streets. However, not all tales are filled with joy. A dramatic moment frozen in time shows a bell ringer struck by lightning—nature's fury clashing against human existence. Yet another lithograph captures anticipation as a bell ringer waits for his cue—the moment when he would fling himself upon the rope and unleash cascading melodies that fill hearts with awe and reverence. Tragedy strikes again in vivid colors depicting a bell ringer crushed by the very church bell he so dutifully served—a poignant reminder of sacrifice made for their craft. But it isn't just earthly beings who hold sway over these resonant instruments; spirits too find solace within them.