A stout alderman is seated in a two-wheeled farm-cart, embracing an enormous pig which sits on a livery-gown. The cart is drawn (right to left) by five men and pushed behind by two others. The foremost, 'rim--n', carries a banner on which is a fat pig inscribed 'corperation hog admitance 6d each painted by r--m--ngt--n'; he says, "the greatest likness possible all my own". He wears no coat, an apron, and ragged breeches. The next is 'par--r', saying, "give me a hodd again this is too hard work". Next is a beefeater, 'pant--n', in his shirt-sleeves, saying, "how i sweat i'll sell my share for ten guineas i'm so d--nd hungry". The next, holding a whip, is 'bany--d'; he says, "ge up my lads a heavy fare this". The last man, wearing a livery gown, is 'sling--y'; he holds a trowel and says "i had rather rightebuild london bridge than fagg so". The cart is inscribed 'ban--d windsor"; the pig says "i am so tired siting like an alderman". The alderman answers "and i too brother, lord how they laugh at us no cutting or slashing". He wears a livery gown and appears from bmsat 7739 to be 'sn--w'. The two who push behind are 'perr--n' and 'bend--g'; the former says, "i'll go measure tape this is too hard work". The other, who wears a cocked hat and livery gown, says, "i'm tired of shoving i used to drive my pigs. " a grinning country boy stands behind (right), saying, "birds of a feather flock together". He grasps a signpost, pointing (left) 'to smitfield' and (right) 'to windsor'. Beneath the title is etched:
'they could not agree about the hogs admission
so six cunning aldermen prefer'd a petition:
to request they'd permit them to buy that there pig
and convey him to smithfield straightway in a gig. The petition was granted, the pig they have bought,
and paid fifty guineas, the sum for him sought;
in a cart then to smithfield this beast they convey'd,
and triumphantly enter'd upon thier new trade. ' 26 february 1790. Hand-coloured etching. Date: 1790. Dimensions: Height: 260 mm; Width: 403 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Parker of Windsor. Collection: British Museum. The Corporation hogs journey to Smithfield in stile. Or Aldermen turn'd pig show men (BM J,4.10)
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