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Fire in London, 1791. Artist: Thomas Rowlandson
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Fire in London, 1791. Artist: Thomas Rowlandson
Fire in London, 1791. The building on fire was Albion Mills, a corn mill erected by Matthew Boulton at the foot of Blackfriars Bridge in 1786. The largest and best- equipped mill of its time, it was also the site of the first installation of steam power to drive machinery. The mills destruction by fire also illustrates the fire-fighting teams of the day. Some eight manual Newsham fire engines are attempting to fight the flames, with others rushing to the scene from across the bridge. In the background is the River Thames and St Pauls cathedral on the opposite bank. From The Microcosm of London by Rudolph Ackermann
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Media ID 14863273
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Ackermann Augustus Charles Augustus Charles Pugin Blackfriars Bridge Blackfryars Bridge Corn Mill Emergency Emergency Services Fire Brigade Fire Engine Fire Hose Fire Hydrant Firefighter Firefighting Fireman Flame Flames Innovation Mill Oxford Science Archive Pugin Rowlandson Rudolph Rudolph Ackermann Southwark St Pauls Cathedral Steam Thames Thomas Rowlandson
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the dramatic scene of the "Fire in London, 1791" as depicted by renowned artist Thomas Rowlandson. The focal point of the image is Albion Mills, a magnificent corn mill constructed by Matthew Boulton in 1786 at the base of Blackfriars Bridge. This state-of-the-art mill was not only the largest and most advanced of its time but also marked the first utilization of steam power to drive machinery. The devastating fire that engulfed Albion Mills serves as a testament to both technological innovation and historical firefighting practices. In this snapshot from history, we witness eight manual Newsham fire engines valiantly battling against towering flames while other teams rush across Blackfriars Bridge to join their efforts. Against a backdrop featuring the majestic River Thames and St Paul's Cathedral on its opposite bank, this image encapsulates both human resilience and architectural beauty. Beyond its visual allure, this photograph offers glimpses into various aspects of life during that era. We observe men fulfilling their duties as firefighters amidst an emergency situation while others go about their daily occupations nearby. The presence of religious symbolism with St Paul's Cathedral reminds us of London's deep-rooted Christian heritage. Preserved within Rudolph Ackermann's esteemed publication "The Microcosm of London" this lithograph allows us to appreciate not only Rowlandson's artistic talent but also provides valuable insights into 18th-century city life, professions, and technological advancements.
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