Large Georgian Print — Cries of London

"Knives, Scissars, and Razors to Grind" is Plate 6 of the celebrated "Cries of London" series — thirteen scenes of London street traders originally painted by Francis Wheatley R.A. (1747–1801) and first published as engravings by Colnaghi & Co. in the 1790s. The series became one of the most widely reproduced depictions of everyday London life, capturing itinerant sellers and tradespeople going about their trade in the city's streets.

This large hand-coloured example is a later engraved edition of the same composition, engraved by Jam. Alprandi and published by Colnaghi & Co. at 132 Pall Mall, London, dated 2 January 1814. It depicts a knife-grinder at his wheel bargaining with a woman over a blade, set within a shadowed London doorway — a scene that captures the informal trades that once filled the city's streets. The print is titled in both English and French, "Couteaux, Ciseaux, Rasoirs a repasser," reflecting the series' popularity with continental as well as British collectors.

• Size: 21 x 26 inches (framed)
• Type: Hand-coloured engraving
• Series: "Cries of London," Plate 6
• Original artist: Francis Wheatley R.A. (1747–1801)
• This edition: Engraved by Jam. Alprandi, published by Colnaghi & Co., 132 Pall Mall, London, 2 January 1814
• Frame: Wooden frame with gilt-lined mount
• Condition: Vintage, toning to mount and glazing marks consistent with age,