Conflagration! or The merry mealmongers. A new dance, as it was performed with universal applause, at the theatre Blackfriars March 2d. 1791 / drawn by Collings ; etchd. by Barlow.
London : Publish'd as the Act directs, by Bentley & Co., 1 April 1791.
Etching issued as a plate in the Attic Miscellany, ii. 233.
The print has been issued separately: in the magazine it is a folding plate.
Cartoon inspired by the rejoicing which took place in some quarters at the destruction by fire of the new steam powered Albion flour mill, which took place on March 2, 1791.
Library's copy trimmed to image.
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Print shows a scene on Blackfriars Bridge, with the Albion Mills on fire in the background at left. A dense crowd on the bridge rejoices at the spectacle and in the foreground three men are dancing: two face each other holding hands, but looking at the fire, the third waves his hat and a toy windmill. Beside them (left) stands a baker's basket filled with loaves, and inscribed 'Bread 6d a Quartn'. One (right) holds out a broadside: 'A New Song', he carries a sheaf of papers over his shoulder inscribed 'Success to the Mills of Albion but no Albion Mills'. The accompanying verses are on the theme: 'Monopoly, thou babe accurs'd, Of Mammon's progeny the worst!'
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.