Catherine Wheel Collection

French 19th century. illustration. showing Saint Catherine
5306356 French 19th century. illustration. showing Saint Catherine; Universal History Archive/UIG.

French 19th century. illustration. showing Saint Catherine
5306375 French 19th century. illustration. showing Saint Catherine; Universal History Archive/UIG.

Ein man wardt auff ain Rad... c. 1503. Creator: Master of the Legend Scenes
Ein man wardt auff ain Rad... c. 1503

Plan for the fireworks display in honor of Emperor Leopold, Nuremberg, November 15, 1686, after 1686

Old Inns in Southwark (engraving)
3637055 Old Inns in Southwark (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Old Inns in Southwark)

A View of the Fireworks and Illuminations at his grace the Duke of Richmond
GHL73957 A View of the Fireworks and Illuminations at his grace the Duke of Richmonds at Whitehall and on the River Thames, on Monday 15th May 1749 (engraving) (see also 8450) by English School

Portrait of Catherine Hoskins, Duchess of Devonshire, c. 1718 (oil on canvas)
CTS336354 Portrait of Catherine Hoskins, Duchess of Devonshire, c.1718 (oil on canvas) by Jervas, Charles (1675-1739); 100x123.8 cm; eThe Devonshire Collections

Catherine Wheel, Southwark, London (colour litho)
976296 Catherine Wheel, Southwark, London (colour litho) by Maggs, J.C. (1819-96); Private Collection; (add.info.: Catherine Wheel, Southwark, London)

Man with firework rocket, from the Recueil de figures pour apprendre a dessigner
STC79284 Man with firework rocket, from the Recueil de figures pour apprendre a dessigner sans Maitre, 1737 (engraving) by Bosse

Preparing one of the set pieces for saturdays show at Small Heath are Mr Harold Rafferty, Mr Albert Jeffries and Mr Jim Dalgleish, Park Superintendent. Birmingham, West Midlands, 4th November 1967

Penny for the guy? This character was spotted in the offices of the Liverpool Echo. 26th October 1979

A View of ye Grand Theatre & Fireworks erected on ye Water near ye Court at ye Hague (on Occasion of ye General Peace concluded at Aix la Chapelle. Oct. 18. 1748) & Exhibited June 13, 1749, 1794

Firework Lady
Fireworks being made at Messrs Pain of Mitcham, in preparation for Bonfire Night, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Old Inns in Southwark, (c1878). Creator: Unknown
Old Inns in Southwark, (c1878). Public houses in Southwark, south London: Dog & Bear and Old Croyden House; Kings Head; The Catherine Wheel; Queens Head; The George

The Martyrdom of Saint Catherine (pen & wash)
XIR439219 The Martyrdom of Saint Catherine (pen & wash) by Dyck, Anthony van (1599-1641); Bibliotheque de l Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris

A view of the Fire-workes and Illuminations at his Grace the Duke of Richmonds at White-hall
XCF314387 A view of the Fire-workes and Illuminations at his Grace the Duke of Richmonds at White-hall and on the River Thames, on Monday 15 May, 1749 (hand-coloured engraving) by English School

Fireworks (colour engraving)
XIR154135 Fireworks (colour engraving) by Thomas, Antoine Jean-Baptiste (1791-1834); Museo di Roma, Rome, Italy; French, out of copyright

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"Catherine Wheel: A Spectacular Journey through Heaven and Hell" Step into a world of awe-inspiring sights and explosive wonders as we unravel the captivating history of the Catherine Wheel. This iconic firework display has enthralled audiences for centuries, leaving them spellbound by its mesmerizing beauty. Dating back to 1565, when it was first depicted in an engraving titled "Heaven and Hell" by Hieronymus Cock, the Catherine Wheel has been a symbol of both celebration and intrigue. From Nuremberg's grand plan for Emperor Leopold's fireworks extravaganza to the enchanting Old Inns in Southwark, this spinning spectacle has graced countless occasions with its radiant presence. In 1718, a portrait immortalized Catherine Hoskins, Duchess of Devonshire, who embodied the elegance and grace associated with this dazzling display. Meanwhile, in London's vibrant Southwark district, a colorful lithograph captured the essence of the famous Catherine Wheel that once adorned its streets. But it is not just about visual artistry; individuals have also become intertwined with this fiery phenomenon. The Recueil de figures pour apprendre à dessigner showcased a man holding a firework rocket – his excitement palpable as he prepared to ignite another breathtaking moment. And let us not forget Firework Lady herself – her passion for pyrotechnics radiating from every spark she ignited. As time passed, even newspapers like Liverpool Echo couldn't resist capturing moments related to this timeless tradition. Penny for the guy? A character spotted within their offices reminded us all of our childhood fascination with Guy Fawkes Night. From Small Heath's meticulous preparations to The Hague's grand theater on water - each event brought new dimensions to this extraordinary experience. As Mr Harold Rafferty meticulously crafted one set piece after another at Small Heath or revelers marveled at ye Grand Theatre & Fireworks near ye Court at ye Hague, the Catherine Wheel continued to captivate hearts and minds.