This paper peepshow depicts the Juvenile Fete at the Vauxhall Gardens. At the top of cut-out panels we can see light decorations, while below elegantly-dressed visitors are drawn by the tight-rope walking performance shown on the back panel.

Originally known as the ‘New Spring Gardens’, the Vauxhall Gardens were a resort for pleasures of all kinds in the mid-seventeenth century. In 1729, they were re-launched under the new management of Jonathan Tyers, who was keen to offer Londoners a pleasure garden that would provide entertainment, while maintaining morality. The Vauxhall Gardens was therefore reshaped by Tyers as a place where respectable and elegant entertainment was offered, largely intended for families. Paintings and music of fine taste were brought in, and perhaps the most well-known figure associated with the Vauxhall Gardens was George Frederick Handel, whose statue, commissioned for the Gardens, can be found at the V&A today.

By the end of the eighteenth century, Tyers’s model could no longer meet the needs and demands of the Vauxhall Gardens’ visitors, who craved for excitement and novelty. Under the new management, fireworks, hot-air balloon ascents, and sensational tight-rope walking acts were introduced.The new proprietors also initiated the Juvenile Fete depicted here. The first mention of the Fete is on 13 July 1821. It was intended for children under twelve, accompanied by their parents. Nevertheless the programme differed little from ordinary nights, and included magical illuminations, animal acts, foreign singing groups, fireworks and acrobats. The programme in 1825 concluded with Mr Blackmore on the tight-rope and fireworks by Mr D’Ernst, which might be what is depicted in this paper peepshow.The style of this paper peepshow is exactly the same as Gestetner 195, which was published by T. Brown in 1825. Brown’s address was 23 White Hart Place, Kennington Cross, very close to Vauxhall Gardens. This paper peepshow may also be the work of Brown.