A peep behind the curtain at Drury Lane [print] / JS f.

Accession number: 
PML 146857.107
Author: 
Sayers, James, 1748-1823.
Published: 
[London] : Publd. by Thos. Cornell, 14 Jany. 1789.
Description: 
1 print on laid paper : etching & aquatint ; image: 182 x 161 mm; plate mark: 194 x 170 mm; sheet: 220 x 195 mm
Credit: 
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
Notes: 

A satire on the Regency crisis of 1788.
Item no. 107 of a collection of prints by James Sayers (PML 146857); formerly part of an album of mounted prints, now disbound.

Inscriptions/Markings: 

Sheridan is identified in pencil at foot of sheet.

Provenance: 
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Summary: 

Print shows Sheridan at left, speaking through a small aperture in the curtain which he holds open, addressing the musicians, some of whom are seen on the right, saying, with a conspiratorial scowl, "D--n em dont play God Save the King". Behind the musicians are the heads of some of the audience in the pit, shouting; a label extending across part of the print (right), inscribed 'Play God save the King', shows their words. In a box are a lady and two men. The print shows the arrangement of footlights, orchestra, pit, and a box on the first tier. Cf. George.

Classification: 
Department: