Joseph Hill, the Bell-Ringer (with a stand for his bells), from Costume of the Lower Orders of London
by Busby, Thomas Lord
- Used
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Middletown, New York, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
London: Baldwin & Craddock, 1820. Engraving with hand coloring in watercolor and collage on cream wove paper, 7 x 5 3/4 inches (187 x 145 m), margins significantly trimmed. Publishing information has been trimmed out of the bottom margin. Scattered foxing; adhered to grayish wove paper. Thomas Lord Busby's 1820 volume, Costume Of The Lower Orders of London, was part of a genre of popular books that featured images of colorful working folk found in the streets of London. Drawn from life by Busby, the portraits are of real people who were well known street personalities. Each portrait is accompanied with a fascinating and often moving passage regarding the life and circumstances of the subject. The following passage accompanies the image of Joseph Hill:
"JOSEPH HILL, the Bell-ringer.
THE unfortunate subject of the present sketch is a religious enthusiast. He says he was born in Bedfordshire, that he has been married twenty-two years, happily without a family. Formerly he attached the Bells to various parts of his person, and even one was fastened on the top of his head; now they are arranged on a wooden cross, to which hymns and ballads are also attached. After he has performed a peal on his instrument, he draws forth a Bible and expounds a text from the Sacred Volume. To the various questions of the Artist he answered, that he began the trade of bell-ringing when he was under the operation of the spirit, which felt like the prickings of spears; and that he was a cobbler, before the spirit pricked him; that he had once twenty-five pounds and built a Stall, which increased in size until it became Noah's Ark, but no rich man would enter it. That the number of his bells are thirteen, the twelve Apostles, and the Godhead. The remainder of his discourse was unconnected and wild rhapsody. He obtains a precarious livelihood, more from the consideration of passengers than from any apparent delight afforded by his music."
-T.L. Busby, Costume of the Lower Orders of London, 1882, Messrs Baldwin & Co., Pasternoster-Tow, London.
"JOSEPH HILL, the Bell-ringer.
THE unfortunate subject of the present sketch is a religious enthusiast. He says he was born in Bedfordshire, that he has been married twenty-two years, happily without a family. Formerly he attached the Bells to various parts of his person, and even one was fastened on the top of his head; now they are arranged on a wooden cross, to which hymns and ballads are also attached. After he has performed a peal on his instrument, he draws forth a Bible and expounds a text from the Sacred Volume. To the various questions of the Artist he answered, that he began the trade of bell-ringing when he was under the operation of the spirit, which felt like the prickings of spears; and that he was a cobbler, before the spirit pricked him; that he had once twenty-five pounds and built a Stall, which increased in size until it became Noah's Ark, but no rich man would enter it. That the number of his bells are thirteen, the twelve Apostles, and the Godhead. The remainder of his discourse was unconnected and wild rhapsody. He obtains a precarious livelihood, more from the consideration of passengers than from any apparent delight afforded by his music."
-T.L. Busby, Costume of the Lower Orders of London, 1882, Messrs Baldwin & Co., Pasternoster-Tow, London.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Rob Zanger Rare Books LLC (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 1462
- Title
- Joseph Hill, the Bell-Ringer (with a stand for his bells), from Costume of the Lower Orders of London
- Author
- Busby, Thomas Lord
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Publisher
- Baldwin & Craddock
- Place of Publication
- London
- Date Published
- 1820
Terms of Sale
Rob Zanger Rare Books LLC
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About the Seller
Rob Zanger Rare Books LLC
Biblio member since 2018
Middletown, New York
About Rob Zanger Rare Books LLC
We're passionate about rare books, fine art, and photographs. We're captivated by remarkable creations by writers, artists, photographers, editors, and designers; the extraordinary craftsmanship by printers, illustrators, and binders are sources of joy and wonder. We're enthralled by the innovations by publishers and dealers; and the devotion of collectors and scholars to discover, document, and celebrate the works and creators they love.
Rob Zanger Rare Books is located amidst a serene pastoral setting in the Mid-Hudson Valley of New York State. We offer rare books, fine art (primarily works on paper), photographs, and antiques. Our commitment is to authentic presentation of the works we offer based on scrupulous research; with integrity and ethical conduct, and responsive, respectful and friendly service. We have zero tolerance for dissembling, shenanigans, or hornswoggling.
The books, artworks, photographs, and cabinet items shown here are a selection from our inventory. We welcome Inquiries for particular books, artworks, or photographs you're searching for, or for something similar to the works we're offering. Please visit our website, www.robzangerrarebooks.com to communicate your interests or questions.
Rob Zanger Rare Books is located amidst a serene pastoral setting in the Mid-Hudson Valley of New York State. We offer rare books, fine art (primarily works on paper), photographs, and antiques. Our commitment is to authentic presentation of the works we offer based on scrupulous research; with integrity and ethical conduct, and responsive, respectful and friendly service. We have zero tolerance for dissembling, shenanigans, or hornswoggling.
The books, artworks, photographs, and cabinet items shown here are a selection from our inventory. We welcome Inquiries for particular books, artworks, or photographs you're searching for, or for something similar to the works we're offering. Please visit our website, www.robzangerrarebooks.com to communicate your interests or questions.
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