18th Century Reverse Glass Print Copenhagen House Islington Skittles Game 1783

This rare and decorative reverse print on glass was produced in England during the late 18th century, in the year 1783. The engraving is titled ‘South East View of Copenhagen House.’ The engraving is complete with publisher’s details reading ‘London. Printed for R. Sayer, Map and Printseller, No 53 Fleet Street; as the Act directs, 20 March 1783.’

This is the only example that we can currently find of this scene in hand coloured reverse print form! The print is after an ink drawing produced in 1780 (see reference below) by the leading British porcelain painter and miniature painter Jefferyes Hamett O'Neale better known for his superb Chelsea and Worcester porcelain creations. Jefferyes Hamett O'Neale also produced several pen and ink pieces that were later produced in print form for publications and periodicals. See The Wellcome Collection: The Good Samaritan Stopping to Help Treat a Wounded Man by O,Neale. The British Museum also has many of his works on paper and porcelain.

Our example is an interesting scene, a rare example of an artwork depicting the game of Skittles. This ancient game originally favored by the poor, particularly in agricultural areas has been around since at least the 1300s. This medieval bowling game is also known as Nine Pins, Kegelen, Dutch Pins, 4 Corners, Rolly Polly, Closh, Loggats, Kayles, Quilles, Kubb, or Aunt Sally.

Copenhagen House, Copenhagen Fields was a historic tea room and pleasure garden that was located in Islington, England. This is one of the earliest depictions of the house, the house was modified throughout the late 18th/19th century. The house and ground are also well known for being the stage of two major demonstrations;

In 1795 the London Corresponding Society arranged a demonstration asking for universal (male) suffrage and annual parliaments, some quarter of a million people attended.
In 1834 the Metropolitan Trade Unions held a demonstration with some 40,000 people gathered to support the repeal of the transportation of the Tolpuddle Martyrs who had been sent to Australia.

The Tolpuddle Martyrs were six agricultural labourers from the village of Tolpuddle in Dorset, England, who, in 1834, were convicted of swearing a secret oath as members of the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers. They were arrested sentenced to penal transportation to Australia. They were pardoned in 1836 after mass protests and support of the reformer John Russell, 1st Earl Russell, KG, GCMG, PC, FRS (b 1792 – d 1878).

The print is housed in its original frame complete with its original backing board.

This is a fascinating piece of social history! This reverse print is absolutely ideal for anyone who loves British history or anyone with a connection to Islington/London.

Reference: Museum number 1880,1113.5000 in the British Museum’s online collection.

Measuring: Frame width 16 1/8 inch (41 cm) by height 12 1/8 inch (31 cm). Aperture width 14 inch (35.5 cm) by height 10 ¼ inch (26 cm).

Condition: Light surface wear to frame, a bubble to glass from manufacturing a charm of the item!

Item id:15197