Not on display

H Beard Print Collection

Print
ca. 18th century (printed)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In 1826, Eliza Vestris, dressed as a Bavarian girl, had a great hit with the song Buy a Broom, for which Alexander Lee set new words to an old German air. At her benefit later that year, Vestris teamed up with John Liston, and dressed in similar costumes sang the ballad as a duet. Liston was acknowledged as one of the funniest performers of his generation, and the combination of the bizarre and nonsensical comedian with the exquisite Vestris proved irresistible. The impression that the duet made was so great that Ingrey and Madeley found it profitable to issue this commemorative lithograph. Lithography was introduced at the beginning of the 19th century and was the first important mass printing technique for illustrations. At this time, colour was still applied by hand. You can see in the background of the image that Ingrey and Madeley took every opportunity to advertise themselves and their new technology.

The singer and actress Emma Sarah Love also sang this song at London's Vauxhall Gardens and the publishers Goulding d'Almaine of the music sheet of Miss Love singing Buy a Broom similarly labelled one of the terraced houses in the background with their firm's name.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleH Beard Print Collection (named collection)
Materials and techniques
lithograph coloured
Brief description
Colour scene with Madame Vestris and Mr. Liston in their duet Buy A Broom, Harry Beard Collection
Physical description
Colour scene with Madame Vestris and Mr. Liston in their duet Buy A Broom.
Dimensions
  • Print size height: 26.1cm
  • Print size width: 20cm
Credit line
Harry R. Beard Collection, given by Isobel Beard
Subjects depicted
Summary
In 1826, Eliza Vestris, dressed as a Bavarian girl, had a great hit with the song Buy a Broom, for which Alexander Lee set new words to an old German air. At her benefit later that year, Vestris teamed up with John Liston, and dressed in similar costumes sang the ballad as a duet. Liston was acknowledged as one of the funniest performers of his generation, and the combination of the bizarre and nonsensical comedian with the exquisite Vestris proved irresistible. The impression that the duet made was so great that Ingrey and Madeley found it profitable to issue this commemorative lithograph. Lithography was introduced at the beginning of the 19th century and was the first important mass printing technique for illustrations. At this time, colour was still applied by hand. You can see in the background of the image that Ingrey and Madeley took every opportunity to advertise themselves and their new technology.

The singer and actress Emma Sarah Love also sang this song at London's Vauxhall Gardens and the publishers Goulding d'Almaine of the music sheet of Miss Love singing Buy a Broom similarly labelled one of the terraced houses in the background with their firm's name.

Associated object
Other number
F.24-63 - H Beard collection numbering
Collection
Accession number
S.181-2009

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

Record createdJanuary 12, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest