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Dirty Father Thames 1848
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Dirty Father Thames 1848
Dirty Father Thames stands in the river water hooking detritus and rubbish that's floating there: old shoes and boots, dead fish, bottles, dead mice and rats... The cartoon is accompanied by a poem which begins, "Filthy river, filthy river, Foul from London to the Nore, What art thou but one vast gutter, One tremendous common shore?"
1848
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Media ID 32224356
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1840s 1848 Community Dead Dirty Filth Filthy Foul Polluted Pollution Rubbish Detritus Hooking
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful image captures the grim reality of London's River Thames in 1848, depicted as "Dirty Father Thames" standing waist-deep in polluted water filled with detritus and rubbish. The cartoonist portrays a scene of utter filth and decay, with old shoes and boots, dead fish, bottles, and even dead mice and rats floating in the river.
The accompanying poem paints a vivid picture of the Thames as "one vast gutter," a common shore for all manner of waste to collect. The artist's use of satire highlights the environmental degradation caused by industrialization and urbanization during this period.
Through this print, we are confronted with the consequences of neglecting our natural resources and failing to protect our waterways. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to prevent further pollution and preserve our rivers for future generations.
As we reflect on this historical depiction of the polluted Thames, let us be inspired to take action towards cleaner waters and a healthier environment for all.
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