Pairs of elegantly dressed and coiffed ladies and gentlemen sit around a long table drinking champagne. On a dais sits 'Perdita' (Mary Robinson) who assures the Prince of Wales of her undying love. He looks at her adoringly and says, "Now what care I for Mom and Dad, let 'em scold and bellow." His left hand rests on books piled up on the table (the titles of which are also listed in the publisher's advertisement). Another lady on his left looking at him may be Elizabeth Armitstead (later Mrs. Fox) who succeeded Mrs. Robinson as his mistress. Other members of this group include Lord Derby and his actress wife, Elizabeth Farren, and Charles James Fox. The location appears to be the Schomberg House where James Graham established his 'Temple of Health and Hymen' famous for its 'Celestial Bed' (cf. British Museum catalogue no. 6325). Allusion to George IV's coming of age
Alternative Title:
Old gigg shop revived
Description:
Publisher's advertisement below the text of the song: "At No. 66 Drury Lane, may be had the following publications. Hal's looking-glass; or, The Royal exhibition, price 2s. 6d. Madame Birchini's dance, price 2s. 6d. Apollo and the Muses inflicting penance on Dr. J-----n round Parnassus, price 1s. The wanton jesuit, an opera, price 1s. 6d. An epistle from Sir Roger Sugar-Cane to Lady Maria B--n, price. The celestial bed, price 1s. 6d. and Matted to 47 x 52 cm. With a key identifying the characters stamped around the window. Contemporary annotations identifying the names alluded to in the list of prints following the printer's address.
Publisher:
Publis'd [sic] as the act directs by W. Holland, No. 66 Drury Lane
Subject (Geographic):
London (England) and England
Subject (Name):
George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830., Robinson, Mary, 1758-1800., Fox, Charles James, 1749-1806., Fox, Elizabeth, 1750-1842., Derby, Edward Smith Stanley, Earl of, 1752-1834., and Derby, Elizabeth Farren Stanley, Countess of, 1759?-1829.
Subject (Topic):
Social life and customs, Eating & drinking, Hairstyles, Chairs, and Clothing & dress
