Omnibus Life in London, from "Illustrated London News"

William Maw Egley

June 11, 1859 · Wood engraving · Drawings and Prints

This wood engraving reproduces a painting by Egley, shown at the British Institution in 1859 (now Tate Britain). The image offers a view of one of the new essential components—and inconveniences—of Victorian city life. Omnibuses were introduced to London in 1829, and were horse drawn carriages that served established routes. They allowed people of middle income to move around the city with new freedom, but also forced those from different backgrounds and to sit in close quarters. Here, we see mother with two young daughters trying to avoid the stares of an older man and woman who sit opposite. At the back, the driver has opened the door at the back, to allow two more passengers to enter. The Illustrated London News described the image as, "a droll interior, the stern and trying incidents of which will be recognized by thousands of weary wayfarers through the streets of London."

Artist

William Maw Egley

Date

June 11, 1859

Medium

Wood engraving

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Donato Esposito, 2018