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Satire on night watchmen, London, 1825
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Satire on night watchmen, London, 1825
A satire on night watchmen, London, c1825; showing a watchman who has fallen asleep in his box. Two revellers, having attached poles to the box in the manner of a sedan chair have carried it out of its position as far as a mile stone which reads: 1 mile from London
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Media ID 15171510
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Asleep Asleep On The Job Duty Exhaustion Guard Guarding Sleep Sleeping Sleepy Tiredness Watchman Metaphor Policing
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from 1825 captures a humorous satire on night watchmen in London. In the image, we see a tired watchman who has dozed off inside his box, oblivious to the world around him. However, two mischievous revellers have seized this opportunity for some fun. They have attached poles to the box, transforming it into a makeshift sedan chair, and are gleefully carrying it away from its original position. As they make their way along the road, passing by a milestone that reads "1 mile from London" one cannot help but chuckle at this clever visual metaphor. The engraving brilliantly portrays how easily someone can get carried away when they neglect their duty or fall asleep on the job. The anonymous artist behind this piece ingeniously highlights not only the exhaustion and tiredness faced by these hardworking guardians of London's streets but also pokes fun at their profession with subtle wit. This satirical commentary serves as a reminder that even those entrusted with guarding our safety are susceptible to human weaknesses. Preserved within Guildhall Library and Art Gallery, this nineteenth-century artwork continues to entertain viewers today with its timeless humor and sharp social critique. It invites us all to reflect on our own responsibilities while offering an amusing glimpse into life in bustling 19th century England.
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