A conversation between two blind grinders of music

Skene, James, 1826, Pen work

Category

Library Item

Item no

685

Title

A conversation between two blind grinders of music, well known in the streets of Edinburgh, with their young guides

Description

A man with crutches speaks to another man resting on a music grinder which is on a table. The man standing wears a hat, long coat and breeches. Behind the other man two children are fighting. The girl wears a bonnet while the boy holds a walking stick above his head.

Artist / maker

Skene, James

Date

1826

Size

11 x 18 cm.

Type

Pen work

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Grinders of music played street organs which were designed by either the French or the Dutch. They were a novelty of the 19th century, and were usually played by people of ill-repute or members of the lower classes, who played for money.

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Related subjects

People > Children > Boys

People > Children > Girls

People > Entertainment and sports > Musicians

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh