Two Impures of the Ton driving to the Gigg Shop, Hammersmith, Robert Dighton, 1781

Two ladies driving in a gig, advancing diagonally towards the spectator from left to right, on the road from hyde park corner to knightsbridge. The gig, which has a crest on its panel, is drawn by a pair of ponies with long tails and manes. The lady driving is standing up, she wears the fashionable driving dress of the period, coat and waistcoat of masculine cut, full skirt without a hoop, large feathered hat; a bunch of seals hangs from her waistcoat. Her companion (right) sits demurely with folded arms; her dress is more feminine. The faces of both are patched. The background shows the front of st. George's hospital (left); under the pediment is a large board inscribed 'saint georges hospital for sick'. Next it (right) is a gate into tattersall's; over the wall appears the top of a pedestal inscribed 'tattersal' which supports the statue of a horse. 15 january 1781 hand-coloured mezzotint with etching. Date: 1781. Dimensions: Height: 353 mm; Width: 250 mm. Medium: paper. Collection: British Museum. Two Impures of the Ton driving to the Gigg Shop, Hammersmith (BM 2010,7081.1389)