DRURY LANE THEATRE, Tom & Bob enjoying a Theatrical treat. Hand-coloured etching and aquatint by George or Robert Cruikshank from Pierce Egan's Real Life in London. Published by Jones & Co., 11 August 1821.

Aquatint showing the stage and boxes of Drury Lane Theatre with the audience in the Pit sitting on the benches, some of the gentlemen standing to applaud the performance. An army of Roman solders is massed on stage with flags and banners, the stage set with a scene featuring trees, hills and rocks, and a female character downstage left. The lady in the poke bonnet sixth from the right has the bonnet coloured yellow, the bodice of her dress coloured bright pink. The lower edge is printed with the title DRURY LANE THEATRE Tom & Bob enjoying a Theatrical treat. London Pub by Jones & Co. August 11 1821.

Harry R. Beard Collection, given by Isobel Beard

Coloured aquatint from 'Life in London, or The Day and Night Scenes of Jerry Hawthorn Esq. and his Elegant Friend Corinthian Tom' or from 'Real Life in London or the Further Rambles and adventures of Bob Tallyho Esq and his cousin the Hon Tom Dashall through the Metropolis' by Pierce Egan. Published between 1821 and 1831 in 5 editions.

From Real Life in London or the Further Rambles and adventures of Bob Tallyho Esq. and his cousin the Hon. Tom Dashall through the Metropolis by Pierce Egan. Published between 1821 and 1831 in five editions.

This is one of a series of prints by George and Robert Cruikshank illustrating Pierce Egan's Real Life in London or the Further Rambles and adventures of Bob Tallyho Esq and his cousin the Hon Tom Dashall through the Metropolis

In 1820 the sports writer Pierce Egan (1772-1849) began the publication of the monthly journal Life in London. His articles for that paper were collected in his best-known work entitled Life in London, or The Day and Night Scenes of Jerry Hawthorn Esq. and his Elegant Friend Corinthian Tom. This popular publication which dealt with realistic adventures of Regency bucks in the metropolis was followed by Real Life in London which included scenes at the theatre, backstage and in the auditorium.

S.224-2008