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Southwark Fair Collection

Step back in time to the lively and vibrant Southwark Fair, as depicted in Hogarth's iconic engravings

Background imageSouthwark Fair Collection: Southwark Fair, after Hogarths picture (engraving)

Southwark Fair, after Hogarths picture (engraving)
3637048 Southwark Fair, after Hogarths picture (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Southwark Fair, after Hogarths picture)

Background imageSouthwark Fair Collection: Southwark Fair (engraving)

Southwark Fair (engraving)
983213 Southwark Fair (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Southwark Fair. Illustration for Pugilistica The History of British Boxing by Henry Downes Miles)

Background imageSouthwark Fair Collection: Southwark Fair (engraving)

Southwark Fair (engraving)
610685 Southwark Fair (engraving) by Hogarth, William (1697-1764); Private Collection; (add.info.: Southwark Fair. Engraving, 1733.); Look and Learn / Peter Jackson Collection; English

Background imageSouthwark Fair Collection: Figs Card (engraving)

Figs Card (engraving)
983215 Figs Card (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Figs Card. Distributed to his patrons, and at his booths at Southwark Fair and elsewhere)

Background imageSouthwark Fair Collection: Southwark Fair. (After Hogarths Picture), (c1878). Creator: Unknown

Southwark Fair. (After Hogarths Picture), (c1878). Creator: Unknown
Southwark Fair. (After Hogarths Picture), (c1878). After Southwark Fair, 1733, by William Hogarth. A rowdy crowd is enjoying the festivities in Borough High Street, near St George the Martyr, London

Background imageSouthwark Fair Collection: Southwark Fair, 1733, (1920). Artist: William Hogarth

Southwark Fair, 1733, (1920). Artist: William Hogarth
Southwark Fair, 1733, 1920. From Londoners Then and Now As Pictured By Their Contemporaries, edited by Geoffrey Holme. [The Studio Ltd. London, 1920]

Background imageSouthwark Fair Collection: Southwark Fair, 1733. Artist: William Hogarth

Southwark Fair, 1733. Artist: William Hogarth
Southwark Fair, 1733. A crowd is enjoying the festivities in Borough High Street, near St George the Martyr, Southwark, London

Background imageSouthwark Fair Collection: The humours and diversions of Southwark Fair, London, 1733

The humours and diversions of Southwark Fair, London, 1733
The humours and diversions of Southwark Fair, 1733. Scene near St Georges Church in Borough High Street, London; plays being performed, a rope-flyer, rope-dancer, booths and other entertainments

Background imageSouthwark Fair Collection: Dancing Dolls, a 19th century fairground attraction. The man worked the dolls by means of a string

Dancing Dolls, a 19th century fairground attraction. The man worked the dolls by means of a string looped around his foot, whilst playing the bagpipes

Background imageSouthwark Fair Collection: AM170720 084590

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Background imageSouthwark Fair Collection: AM170720 084594

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Step back in time to the lively and vibrant Southwark Fair, as depicted in Hogarth's iconic engravings. This bustling event captured the essence of 18th-century London, with its array of sights and sounds that delighted both locals and visitors alike. From the Figs Card game to the Dancing Dolls fairground attraction, there was something for everyone at this annual spectacle. Hogarth's masterful artwork transports us to a bygone era, where we can witness the humours and diversions that filled the streets of Southwark during this festive occasion. The intricate details in his engravings bring to life scenes of merriment, showcasing people from all walks of life indulging in games, entertainment, and revelry. The atmosphere is electric as crowds gather around various attractions, eagerly partaking in the festivities. The man operating the Dancing Dolls captures our attention with his skillful manipulation while playing bagpipes – a true marvel of 19th-century fairground ingenuity, not just an event; it was an experience that ignited all senses. The aroma of street food wafted through the air as vendors enticed passersby with their delectable treats. Laughter echoed amidst joyful conversations as friends reunited or strangers became acquaintances over shared moments of amusement. This engraving serves as a window into history – a snapshot frozen in time – allowing us to immerse ourselves in an era long gone but forever preserved within these artistic renditions. It reminds us that despite centuries passing since its existence, Southwark Fair continues to captivate our imagination and evoke nostalgia for a time when community celebrations were cherished traditions. So let us journey back through time together and relish in the spirit – where joyous chaos reigned supreme and memories were made amidst laughter-filled streets.