Guttersnipe Collection

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098217 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098204 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098245 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098207 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098252 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098249 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098220 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098241 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098242 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098203 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098216 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph)
3098214 Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (lithograph) by May, Phil (1864-1903); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration for Phil Mays Gutter-Snipes (Leadenhall Press, 1896)

The Paris Urchin in the Tuileries, from Le Charivari, 4 March
XJF441078 The Paris Urchin in the Tuileries, from Le Charivari, 4 March, 1848 (litho) by Daumier, Honore (1808-79); Private Collection; (add.info)

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

In the lively and vibrant lithograph series titled "Gutter-Snipes" by Phil May, we are transported to the bustling streets of Victorian London. These illustrations capture the essence of a forgotten class known as guttersnipes, who were often seen as mischievous street urchins navigating their way through life's hardships. With each stroke of May's pen, these gutter-snipes come to life in vivid detail. Their tattered clothing and dirt-streaked faces tell tales of poverty and struggle. Yet, there is an undeniable resilience shining through their eyes, hinting at a spirit that refuses to be broken. The scenes depicted in this lithograph series offer glimpses into the daily lives of these young guttersnipes. We see them huddled together under dimly lit gas lamps or perched on crumbling doorsteps, finding solace in one another's company amidst the harsh realities they face. May's attention to detail is remarkable; every brick on the cobblestone streets seems meticulously placed while capturing both the grittiness and charm of Victorian-era London. The background characters add depth to each illustration - from weary shopkeepers peering out from behind dusty windows to well-dressed gentlemen passing by with indifference. Through his artistry, May invites us into a world that existed long ago but still holds relevance today. The struggles faced by these guttersnipes may have been unique to their time period, but their indomitable spirit resonates across generations. As we gaze upon these illustrations for Phil Mays' Gutter-Snipes lithograph series, we are reminded of society's duty towards its most vulnerable members. It prompts us to reflect on how far we've come since those days when children roamed the streets without proper care or education. May's work serves as a poignant reminder that even amidst adversity and neglect, there is beauty and strength waiting to be discovered within every guttersnipe.