Henson, William S (William Samuel) 1805?-1888 Search this
Physical description:
1 score (4, [1] pages) 35 cm
Type:
Songs and music
Caricatures and cartoons
Caricatures
Sheet music covers
Sheet music
Place:
England
Date:
1843
To 1901
1840-1850
Notes:
"And may be had of Wood & Co. Waterloo Place, Edinburgh. [Alexander?] Smellie"
"C. Page, author of 'The royal presents,' &c."
"Sung with the greatest applause by Mr. Glindon, Mr. Moody, Mr. Wild, &c. &c."
Illustrated title page features people riding on steam-powered flying machines shaped like birds over Brunel's tunnel. Two anthropomorphic fish with top hats walk towards the tunnel, over which ships are sailing, and two more fish appear in the sky. The sun (with face) looks concerned about the flying machines, and an anthropomorphic moon and stars run away. A comet smiles and waves at a flying machine, and a bear[?] in constellation form appears next to the comet. Two caricatured Chinese people look up at the flying machines, their teapot and dishware running away. One flying machine in the distance explodes, and three people fall out. Several other exotic buildings are in the distance, and a volcano erupts. Several people are in the waiting room of "Monument Station," which advertises "Ships to all parts of the Heavens." A British flag flies overhead, and other signs advertise: "Mars, there & back in one day, the fast sailing [illegible]," "Comet will start for an excursion round the sun," "Venus, this fine ship with superior accomodation copper bottomed & will go twice a week to Mars till further notice," and "Suicides [illegible] facility offered to persons disposed to the above. NB ships always ready." Signed "Onwhyn del."
Verse 2 references Brunel's tunnel under the Thames. Verses 3-9 reference Henson's aerial steam carriage