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The fellow prentices at their looms, plate I of Industry and Idleness, 1747
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The fellow prentices at their looms, plate I of Industry and Idleness, 1747
The fellow prentices at their looms, plate I of Industry and Idleness, 1747; the scene is a Spitalfields silk-weaving shop, London. The industrious apprentice works busily while the idle apprentice has fallen asleep. The master enters, glares at the idle apprentice and threatens him with his stick. A page from Moll Flanders hangs above the head of the idle apprentice. Final state of the plate
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Media ID 15166912
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Apprentice Asleep Francis Goodchild Hogarth Idleness Industrious Laziness Lazy Loom Machine Machinery Manufacturing Sleep Sleeping Spitalfields Textile Worker Textiles Worker Tom Idle Tower Hamlets W Hogarth Weaver William Hogarth Workshop Moll Flanders
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The Fellow Prentices - A Tale of Industry and Idleness in 18th Century London
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print, titled "The fellow prentices at their looms, plate I of Industry and Idleness" takes us back to the bustling Spitalfields silk-weaving shop in London during the 18th century. The scene vividly captures the stark contrast between two apprentices - one diligently working away at his loom while the other has succumbed to laziness, dozing off. As we observe this snapshot of daily life, we witness the master's entrance into the workshop. His stern glare pierces through the room as he brandishes a stick threateningly towards the idle apprentice. The message is clear - hard work is valued above all else in this trade. Notably, hanging above the head of our slumbering protagonist is a page from Moll Flanders, a famous literary work that serves as an ironic reminder of wasted potential. This clever inclusion by artist William Hogarth adds depth to his satirical commentary on idleness and its consequences. Intriguingly, this print offers more than just an artistic portrayal; it provides valuable insight into historical textile manufacturing practices and technology prevalent during that era. It transports us to a time when machinery was still emerging but relied heavily on skilled artisans like these weavers. Through this thought-provoking image captured by Francis Goodchild, we are reminded of timeless themes such as industry versus indolence and how they shape individuals' lives within their professions.
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