S. Wale delin.t et donavit. T. Major sculp.t et donavit.
[London: Marine Society, c.1770.]
Etching, part 18th century watermark. 115 x 180mm (4½ x 7"), with large margins. Two tears, one entering plate, taped.
The trade card of the Marine Society, a charity founded in 1756 by Jonas Hanway (1712-86), to encourage young men to go and join the Royal Navy during the Seven Years' War. Later the Scociety turned to the education of poor boys in preperation for their joining the navy, as depicted here. Ragged boys are being directed to Britannia outside the Marine Society's Warehouse, where they are dressed as cadets. As well as founding the Marine Society in 1756, Hanway was a vice president of the Foundling Hospital, instrumental in the establishment of the Magdalen Hospital and a commissioner for victualling the navy (experimenting with ways to alleviate scurvy amongst seamen). He is said to be the first male Londoner to carry an umbrella, facing down heckling hackney coachmen.
[Ref: 55195]  £190.00