Henry Mayhew Collection

The mud-lark, 1861 (engraving)
XJF2920754 The mud-lark, 1861 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Mud-Lark, after a daguerreotype by Richard Beard)

London Labour and the London Poor, 1850
3331124 London Labour and the London Poor, 1850; (add.info.: Illustration from London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew (1812-1887) an English social researcher, journalist

A prison of shame - perhaps a penal settlement - stared him in the face, 1850. Creator: Unknown
A prison of shame - perhaps a penal settlement - stared him in the face, 1850. Illustration from "The Fear of the World; or, Living for Appearances", by the Brothers Mayhew

There are three men waiting outside, and I'm afraid to go out, 1850. Creator: Unknown
There are three men waiting outside, and I'm afraid to go out, 1850. Then he remembered the soda-water, and gaining a little energy from his rising passion

The London sweep (engraving)
2775869 The London sweep (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The London sweep; from London Labour and the London Poor)

St. Jamess Theatre - The Amateurs - Knowell, (Mr. H. Mayhew), 1845. Creator: Unknown
St. Jamess Theatre - The Amateurs - Knowell, (Mr. H. Mayhew), 1845. London production by Charles Dickens, an amateur performance of Ben Jonsons " Every Man in his Humour"

Tread-Wheel and Oakum-Shed at the City Prison, Holloway, London, 1862. Artist
Tread-Wheel and Oakum-Shed at the City Prison, Holloway, London, 1862. From The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes of Prison Life by Henry Mayhew (1812-1887) and John Binny, 1862

Surrey House of Correction, Wandsworth, London, 1862. Adult school in the chapel, on the separate system at the Surrey House of Correction, Wandsworth

Boy chimney sweeps eating their evening meal, 1861. From London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew. (London, 1861)

Jack Black, Her Majestys Ratcatcher, illustration taken from The London Labour
XJF869640 Jack Black, Her Majestys Ratcatcher, illustration taken from The London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew, circa 1840 (engraving) by English School

The Irish Street Seller, illustration taken from The London Labour and the London
XJF869644 The Irish Street Seller, illustration taken from The London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew, circa 1840 (engraving) by English School

The Street Comb Seller, illustration taken from The London Labour and the London
XJF869643 The Street Comb Seller, illustration taken from The London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew, circa 1840 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; English

The Street Seller of Dogs Collars, illustration taken from The London Labour
XJF869632 The Street Seller of Dogs Collars, illustration taken from The London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew, circa 1840 (engraving) by English School

Street-Seller of Crockery Wine Bartering for Old Clothes, illustration taken from The London Labour
XJF869642 Street-Seller of Crockery Wine Bartering for Old Clothes, illustration taken from The London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew, circa 1840 (engraving) by English School

The Coster-Girl, illustration taken from The London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew
XJF869635 The Coster-Girl, illustration taken from The London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew, circa 1840 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; English

The Street Seller of Nutmeg-graters, illustration taken from The London Labour
XJF869633 The Street Seller of Nutmeg-graters, illustration taken from The London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew, circa 1840 (engraving) by English School

Henry Mayhew, illustration from London Labour and the London Poor, edition
XJF476179 Henry Mayhew, illustration from London Labour and the London Poor, edition published 1861 (engraving) by English School

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Henry Mayhew was a prominent figure in 19th-century London, known for his insightful and groundbreaking work on the city's social issues. From the grim realities of child labor to the vibrant street life, Mayhew captured it all through his writings and illustrations. In "The London Sweep, " an engraving from an unknown artist, we catch a glimpse of Mayhew's world. The image showcases St. James's Theatre during a performance of "The Amateurs, " where Mayhew himself played Knowell in 1845. This portrayal hints at his versatility as both a writer and actor. Mayhew's dedication to shedding light on societal injustices is evident in his depictions of prisons like the Tread-Wheel and Oakum-Shed at City Prison Holloway in 1862 and Surrey House of Correction Wandsworth in the same year. These images serve as reminders that even behind bars, human suffering persists. Another intriguing piece is "Murder of Captain Lawson (A Cock)" from around 1840 but published later in 1902. It reflects Mayhew's interest in exploring unconventional subjects, showcasing not only human struggles but also animal stories that reveal deeper truths about society. Mayhew also delved into the lives of chimney sweeps with his illustration depicting young boys eating their evening meal amidst soot-covered faces in 1861. This poignant image highlights the harsh conditions faced by these children who were forced into dangerous labor at such tender ages. His exploration extended beyond child laborers; he also documented nightmen - those responsible for cleaning London streets after dark - capturing their tireless efforts to keep the city clean despite its challenges. Mayhew didn't limit himself to documenting hardships alone; he celebrated individuals like Jack Black, Her Majesty's Ratcatcher, whose expertise was crucial for maintaining public health standards during this era.