STONE (Marcus, 1840-1921, Artist, R.A.)

Printed Card Signed for the Church of England Temperance Society for an Autograph Souvenir of the “Grand National Bazaar”, 5” x 4” printed in red, blue and gold, no place, 28th June to 2nd July

By the time that temperance organisations came into being, the bazaar was well established as a social and money-making event, and formed a staple of social programmes in London and around the country. Some assumed gigantic proportions. In 1875, for example, a six-day Grand Bazaar and Fancy Fair was held at the Great Central Hall, Bishopsgate Street. Various musical performances enlivened each day, including bands and handbell ringers, and each evening from 6pm an entertainment programme was given every half-hour, featuring many singers, actors and comedians. Other attractions were a large collection of working models, a large collection of curiosities, works of art, dresses, and more, Bazaars (which usually charged an entrance fee of sixpence to a shilling) raised a huge amount of money for their sponsoring charities. I imagine this card would have been sold as part of the fund-raising.

Item Date:  1887

Stock No:  42141      £55

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