Summer amusement at Margate, or, A peep at the mermaids / Rowlandson del.

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Thomas Rowlandson
1756-1827
Summer amusement at Margate, or, A peep at the mermaids / Rowlandson del.
[London] : by Thos Tegg No 111 Cheapside, [1813]
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
1986.727
Published: 
[London] : by Thos Tegg No. 111 Cheapside, [1813]
Provenance: 
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Notes: 

Library's copy closely trimmed with probable loss of date and series title.

Summary: 

In the foreground is a low cliff or bank overlooking the sands; from this four elderly men are eagerly and delightedly looking through telescopes at naked ladies disporting in the sea. An angry woman (right) tugs at the coat-tails of one of them; she has a tiny sunshade, and like her husband is grossly fat. Bathing machines are in the water, with hoods covering the steps to the sea. A fat bathing woman pushes a lady up the steps of a machine. Behind the spectators is a 'Circulating Library'; above the lower floors is a large balcony from which more men are gazing through telescopes. On the extreme right is a doorway placarded: 'Hot Sea Baths'; a fat man with a crutch walks in. In the background a jetty projects from the sands, with a windlass, and packages of goods.

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