The comforts of a modern gala [graphic] / Woodward delt

"A crowd struggles from the open hall-door (left) to the staircase (right) of a 'cit's' mansion. A servant out of livery stands on the stairs shouting: "Ladies, and Gentlemen--you need not crowd so--my Mistress says all the rooms are full above stairs--and have been so this half hour --you may possibly find standing room in the Breakfast Parlour and that is all". At the open door is an arm holding a flambeaux and a section of a coach. A footman shouts "Lady Bun. Bullers Carriage stops the way!!" A man holds up on his cane a wig simulating natural hair ornamented with feathers, &c., shouting, "Any Lady lost a wig". A fat bald woman near the stairs shouts back: "Here, Here, I own the Wig!" A very fat 'cit' mops his face, holding his hat and wig; he says: "I have lost your Mother in the Mob. but I dorse to say--she'll take care of herself oh Bet! Bet! I wish I was back again in Cateaton Street this d--d stiff collar makes [sic]". A diminutive girl hanging on his arm says: "Dear Papa dont be so vulgar we shall get in time". A very fat woman in front drinks from a bottle, saying, "I have lost Mr Dowlass but here is my comfort". Between the pair, a fashionably dressed man, holding a large opera-hat, shouts: "Open the Ventilators". A woman says: "What a delightful squeeze". Another steps across a prostrate man, saying, "Bless me Sir where are you getting to". He answers: "I beg your Ladyships pardon". Men (one wearing the red ribbon of the Bath) and women try to storm their way up the lower stairs, despite the obstructing servant."--British Museum online catalogue