Boyfriend Gallery

The fair near the village church, c1780-1825. Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

The fair near the village church, c1780-1825. The absolute balance, arrangement, and rightness of the masses in shadow and light in relation to the line, with alternating weight and delicacy, make this homely scene an achievement of great beauty. The drawing here reproduced should be studied for spontaneity before we can appreciate Rowlandson's full intent. Each significant detail is suggested with simplicity or elaborateness as seemed fit'. From "The Watercolour Drawings of Thomas Rowlandson from the Albert H. Wiggin Collection in the Boston Public Library" with commentary by Arthur W. Heintzelman. [Watson-Guptill Publications, Inc., New York, 1947]

© Shirley Markham Collection/Heritage Images

Rink to me only with thine eyes, 1876. Artist: George Du Maurier

Rink to me only with thine eyes, 1876. The increasing popularity of roller-skates perhaps gave romantic young couples a better opportunity to be together without chaperones! In 1863 an American, James L Plimpton, patented a 4-wheeled roller-skate, the forerunner of today's skates, and it was not long before the lasting craze began in Britain. Cartoon from Punch. (London, 18 March 1876)

© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images