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Beer Street, 1751. Artist: William Hogarth
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Beer Street, 1751. Artist: William Hogarth
Beer Street, 1751. Working people enjoying a tankard of beer outside the Barley Mow public house. The figures include two women with baskets of fish and a butcher holding a joint of meat, whilst above him an artist paints the inn sign. Fourth and final state of the plate. This print was published in support of a campaign directed against gin drinking among Londons poor. Consumption of cheap spirits by the poor had soared in the early eighteenth century, with dire social consequences. Beer Street celebrates the virtues of the mildly intoxicating traditional national drink. Beer inspires artists and refreshes tradesmen and labourers. It can be drunk safely on rooftops. The newfangled foreign spirit gin, however, inspires violence and careless inebriation
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Media ID 15166888
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Alcohol Aquatic Life Beer Butcher Drunk Drunkenness Fish Fish Seller Happiness Hogarth Inn Sign Meat Painting A Picture Pawn Shop Pawnbroker Poem Public House Street Life Street Seller Street Trader Tavern W Hogarth William Hogarth Metaphor Poetry
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Beer Street, 1751 - A Celebration of Tradition and Social Reform
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print by William Hogarth transports us to the lively streets of 18th century London. In this bustling scene, working-class individuals gather outside the Barley Mow public house, indulging in tankards of beer. The artist skillfully captures the essence of everyday life as two women with baskets brimming with fish mingle alongside a butcher proudly displaying his joint of meat. Above them, an artist diligently paints the inn sign, symbolizing art's inspiration drawn from such convivial settings. This final state plate was published as part of a campaign against rampant gin consumption among London's impoverished population during that era. Gin had brought about dire social consequences, while beer stood as a safer alternative. Hogarth's masterpiece exalts the virtues of this mildly intoxicating national drink - beer not only refreshes tradesmen and laborers but also inspires artists' creativity. It is fascinating to observe how people can safely enjoy their beverages even on rooftops. Contrasting with gin's association with violence and reckless drunkenness, Beer Street stands as a metaphor for happiness and contentment found within community bonds fostered at local taverns like these. As we delve into this monochrome world captured by Hogarth’s engraving technique, we witness both street sellers plying their trade and ordinary folk relishing in simple pleasures amidst beautifully depicted buildings lining the avenue. This artwork serves not only as an artistic marvel but also as a poignant reminder that societal issues can be addressed through creative means – promoting positive change while celebrating cherished traditions.
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