November Effigies
Photograph
1877-1878 (made)
1877-1878 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
The photographer John Thomson (1837-1921) used the 'Woodburytype' process patented in 1864 for the images in Street Life in London, including this photograph. This was a type of photomechanical reproduction using pigmented gelatin, usually of a rich purple-brown colour. The process was complicated but remained popular until about 1900 because of the high quality and permanence of the finished images.
Subjects Depicted
The 'November Effigies' were makeshift figures traditionally made and carried through the streets in November by boys who asked for money for their handiwork. The figure was based on the image of Guy Fawkes (1570-1606), a Roman Catholic who had plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and James I (reigned 1603-1625) on 5 November 1605, in order to rid Britain of its Protestant rulers. Fawkes was caught, tortured and brutally executed, his body finally being burned. After a procession, the 'November Effigy' was ritually set alight on a bonfire on 5 November every year, to commemorate the events of the failed treason plot and Fawkes's execution. However, the poor often saved the clothes from the effigy for next year's figure and used only the straw packed inside it for the fire.
Real or Posed?
The people in the pictures were arranged or posed by Thomson to form interesting compositions. However, the results were often naturalistic because the subjects and surroundings were always authentic.
The photographer John Thomson (1837-1921) used the 'Woodburytype' process patented in 1864 for the images in Street Life in London, including this photograph. This was a type of photomechanical reproduction using pigmented gelatin, usually of a rich purple-brown colour. The process was complicated but remained popular until about 1900 because of the high quality and permanence of the finished images.
Subjects Depicted
The 'November Effigies' were makeshift figures traditionally made and carried through the streets in November by boys who asked for money for their handiwork. The figure was based on the image of Guy Fawkes (1570-1606), a Roman Catholic who had plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and James I (reigned 1603-1625) on 5 November 1605, in order to rid Britain of its Protestant rulers. Fawkes was caught, tortured and brutally executed, his body finally being burned. After a procession, the 'November Effigy' was ritually set alight on a bonfire on 5 November every year, to commemorate the events of the failed treason plot and Fawkes's execution. However, the poor often saved the clothes from the effigy for next year's figure and used only the straw packed inside it for the fire.
Real or Posed?
The people in the pictures were arranged or posed by Thomson to form interesting compositions. However, the results were often naturalistic because the subjects and surroundings were always authentic.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Titles |
|
| Materials and techniques | Woodburytype |
| Brief description | November effigies |
| Physical description | Photograph |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM 'STREET LIFE IN LONDON' These photographs were first published in 12 instalments in 1877-1878 in a series entitled 'Street Life in London'. John Thomson had earlier photographed in China and recognized London as a remarkable new subject. Together with journalist Adolphe Smith he wrote commentaries on each image. 'Street Life' is among the earliest and most evocative examples of social documentary photography.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Given by Mrs D. Crisp |
| Object history | Taken in London by John Thomson (born in Edinburgh, 1837, died in London, 1921) |
| Summary | Object Type The photographer John Thomson (1837-1921) used the 'Woodburytype' process patented in 1864 for the images in Street Life in London, including this photograph. This was a type of photomechanical reproduction using pigmented gelatin, usually of a rich purple-brown colour. The process was complicated but remained popular until about 1900 because of the high quality and permanence of the finished images. Subjects Depicted The 'November Effigies' were makeshift figures traditionally made and carried through the streets in November by boys who asked for money for their handiwork. The figure was based on the image of Guy Fawkes (1570-1606), a Roman Catholic who had plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and James I (reigned 1603-1625) on 5 November 1605, in order to rid Britain of its Protestant rulers. Fawkes was caught, tortured and brutally executed, his body finally being burned. After a procession, the 'November Effigy' was ritually set alight on a bonfire on 5 November every year, to commemorate the events of the failed treason plot and Fawkes's execution. However, the poor often saved the clothes from the effigy for next year's figure and used only the straw packed inside it for the fire. Real or Posed? The people in the pictures were arranged or posed by Thomson to form interesting compositions. However, the results were often naturalistic because the subjects and surroundings were always authentic. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | PH.342-1982 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
