Fops Collection

Regency fops and belles promenading at Hyde Park Gate. The Arrival, or Western Entrance to Cockney Land
FLO4618900 Regency fops and belles promenading at Hyde Park Gate. The Arrival, or Western Entrance to Cockney Land. Handcoloured copperplate drawn

Hapless Londoners riding in the Epping Hunt, Easter Monday. Dandies and fops came down from London
FLO4619105 Hapless Londoners riding in the Epping Hunt, Easter Monday. Dandies and fops came down from London and rode on horses and in carriages chasing a single stag

Regency fops and courtesans waltzing in the Argyll Rooms, Regent Street. Among the courtesans are Nelly Mansell
FLO4619073 Regency fops and courtesans waltzing in the Argyll Rooms, Regent Street. Among the courtesans are Nelly Mansell, Emma Richardson, Ellen Hanbury, Dolly Drinkwater and Fanny Myers

King Charles II hiding up an oak tree in Boscobel Wood, after the Battle of Worcester, 1651. Parliamentarian or Roundhead soldier interrogate a local Royalist family. The Royal Oak

Shakespeare notes the foolish fashions of the fops on Ludgate Hill, from My Magazine, pub
3708995 Shakespeare notes the foolish fashions of the fops on Ludgate Hill, from My Magazine, pub.1922 (colour litho) by Hatherell

A review on the Square of the Invalides, 1835. Woman in pink dress with canezou shawl, straw bonnet and parasol. French cavalry and infantry parade on the Esplanade des Invalides

Two Elegant Young Men, 1835 (colour engraving)
CHT271711 Two Elegant Young Men, 1835 (colour engraving) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

Elegant Young Men on the Terrace of a Cafe, 1857 (colour engraving)
CHT327065 Elegant Young Men on the Terrace of a Cafe, 1857 (colour engraving) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

Soiree Mondaine, 1858 (colour engraving)
CHT327064 Soiree Mondaine, 1858 (colour engraving) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

Two gentlemen at the Opera Ball in 1835, 1898 (litho)
5913066 Two gentlemen at the Opera Ball in 1835, 1898 (litho) by Courboin, Francois (1865-1926); (add.info.: Fops in coat with tails, waistcoat, tight pants and white stockings)

Cavalcade at Longchamp racetrack
Cavalcade de Longchamp. Two incroyables (fops) mounted on heavy dray horses instead of thoroughbreds at Longchamp racetrack

Three Elegant Young Men, December 1848 (colour engraving)
CHT271714 Three Elegant Young Men, December 1848 (colour engraving) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

Three Elegant Young Men, 1841 (colour engraving)
CHT271713 Three Elegant Young Men, 1841 (colour engraving) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

Shakespeare observing the foolish fashions and antics of the fops on Ludgate Hill, London (colour litho)
2791639 Shakespeare observing the foolish fashions and antics of the fops on Ludgate Hill, London (colour litho) by Hatherell

Three Elegant Young Men, December, 1856 (colour engraving)
CHT271715 Three Elegant Young Men, December, 1856 (colour engraving) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

Evening dress, illustration from Le Journal des Tailleurs
REV326166 Evening dress, illustration from Le Journal des Tailleurs, 16th February 1851 (colour engraving) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

Leaving for a ride in a cab, illustration from Le Journal des Tailleurs
REV326167 Leaving for a ride in a cab, illustration from Le Journal des Tailleurs, 1856 (colour engraving) by French School, (19th century); Bibliotheque des Arts Decoratifs, Paris

King Charles II at a dance party during the Restoration, circa 1660
6337274 King Charles II at a dance party during the Restoration, circa 1660 by Leech, John (1817-64) (after); (add.info.: King Charles II at a dance party during the Restoration, circa 1660)

Mr Carlyons Christmas (chromolitho)
1054811 Mr Carlyons Christmas (chromolitho) by Caldecott, Randolph (1846-86); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr Carlyons Christmas)

French dandies, 1778-79 (engraving)
957901 French dandies, 1778-79 (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: French dandies, 1778-79. After drawing from life by Deny)

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"Fops: A Tale of Fashion and Folly Through the Ages" In the annals of history, they have always managed to capture our attention with their extravagant attire and peculiar antics. From King Charles II's daring hideout up an oak tree in Boscobel to Shakespeare's astute observations on Ludgate Hill, these individuals have left an indelible mark on society. One cannot help but chuckle at Shakespeare's notes on Ludgate Hill, where he humorously remarks upon the foolish fashions donned by these self-proclaimed trendsetters. Even as early as 1835, a review on the Square of the Invalides highlights how fops continue to amuse and bemuse us with their outlandish choices. Colour engravings from 1835 depict two elegant young men confidently striding along a terrace café, showcasing their impeccable taste in fashion. The vibrant lithograph from 1898 captures two gentlemen attending the Opera Ball in 1835, exuding charm amidst a sea of opulence. The racetrack at Longchamp becomes another stage for these dandies' grand entrance. Their cavalcade draws attention as they parade around with flair and panache. December brings forth more colourful engravings featuring three elegant young men who effortlessly embody sophistication and style. Shakespeare once again finds himself observing these fashionable fools on Ludgate Hill through a vivid colour lithograph that showcases both their flamboyance and absurdity. And finally, December 1856 presents yet another glimpse into this world of sartorial excess through three elegantly dressed young men whose presence demands admiration. Through centuries past, they have continued to captivate us with their audacious fashion choices and whimsical behavior. Whether it be hiding up trees or gracing café terraces or opera balls, they remind us that there is joy in embracing one's individuality even if it means occasionally veering into the realm of folly.