19th century Coaching scene. Approach to Christmas.

by Pollard, James

Vintage Coaching print, Carriages and a horse-drawn cart with light snow falling. A chilly day with boys being boys and Christmas trees on coach roofs. Large print from an engraving by George Hunt after James Pollard, originally published 14.5 x 20.5 inches by J.Moore.

WR on the coach licence plate indicates the reign of William IV, between 1830 and 1837. The well-known Norwich Times runs along the Mile End Road in thick snow, as it nears the end of its journey to the Bull Inn, Aldgate. Towards Christmas, the usually less lucrative parcel business became much more important than passengers, and this coach with an extra pair of postilion-driven lead horses, is stacked with Christmas trees,packages, and hampers with game for London’s Christmas tables. Four passengers outside are bathed in snow. Both coach and inn belonged to the Nelson family. Formidable Mrs Nelson ran exceptional horses, and acquired two more famous yards, the Spread Eagle in Gracechurch Street and the Swan with Two Necks in Lad Lane in London.

On the left, usually driven by an old ‘post boy’ in rather worn livery, a yellow 2-passenger light post-chaise(known as a ‘yellow bounder’), carries four passengers between the coaching terminal and their destinations. With their baggage stacked on the box. In right foreground, top-hatted well-born schoolboys are skylarking, and making snowballs with less fortunate boys.

Vintage coaching print with slight age-discolouration and foxing. Page size 51 x 38cm (20 x 15 inches). Image approximately 327 x 450mm (12 7/8 x 17 3/4 inches).