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Boy using surveying instrument, 1845. Creator: Alfred Crowquill
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Boy using surveying instrument, 1845. Creator: Alfred Crowquill
Boy using surveying instrument, 1845. Illustration to Railway Mania, a story by Alfred Crowquill, a satire on the obsession with the railways, a recent innovation in Britain at the time....straight a-head goes the surveyor, with his theodolite, and, in a few weeks, whiz! comes the engine; and, if you stand in the way, to expostulate in favour of your kitchen-garden, make up your mind to scaldings. Surveyors, by the by, are now getting exceedingly scarce; they are advertised for at their own prices; whilst advertising masters promise to perfect gentlemen in the art of surveying, in twelve lessons, for twenty guineas...Under these circumstances, juvenile surveyors are set to work, and have a man to carry the chain, and a chair for them to reach the sight of the theodolite - all the full- grown ones having been used up many months ago. From " Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII
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Media ID 20549974
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Alfred Alfred Crowquill Alfred Henry Alfred Henry Forrester Arithmetic Crowquill Crowquill Alfred Employment Forrester Forrester Alfred Henry Mathematical Instrument Mathematics Maths Railways Surveying Surveyor Theodolite Illustrated London News
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this print, we are transported back to the year 1845, a time when Britain was consumed by the railway mania. The image depicts a young boy using a surveying instrument, known as a theodolite, with great concentration and determination. Created by Alfred Crowquill for his satirical story "Railway Mania" this illustration sheds light on society's obsession with the railways during that era. The caption highlights how surveyors were in high demand at the time, becoming increasingly scarce and commanding their own prices. Desperate to keep up with the rapid expansion of railways across Britain, even juvenile surveyors were enlisted for work. In order to reach higher vantage points for accurate measurements, these young surveyors relied on a man carrying their chain and a chair to elevate them towards their instruments. This thought-provoking image not only captures an important moment in history but also serves as social commentary on employment practices of that era. It reminds us of how new innovations can create both opportunities and challenges within society. Alfred Crowquill's engraving beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Victorian Britain while offering insight into its fascination with progress and transportation. As we gaze upon this historical snapshot frozen in time, we are reminded of how far we have come since then while appreciating our modern advancements in technology and infrastructure.
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