This is the January 15, 1853 issue of THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS newspaper. It contains many more illustrations than its' American counterparts Harper's Weekly and Frank Leslie. This issue is in very good condition, except for some minor age spots from handling, but nothing serious, and they don't affect the engravings.  As can be seen from the list of articles and illustrations this publication contains many historical stories of the time, and reports of the issues that faced the people of Great Britain at the time.  Additional pictures are available upon request.  Please send your e-mail address.

ARTICLES:

THE WINE DUTIES – The Malt-tax, in England, is being questioned.  The French would like to develop a free trade agreement, and the lowering of the heavy duties upon French wine would be a positive motion, as this is their largest agricultural staple.

THE GREAT METROPOLITAN POULTRY EXHIBITION – The first show of the society for establishing an annual Exhibition of Poultry, Pigeons, and Rabbits was opened to the public.  The society enjoys the patronage of many noblemen and gentlemen of distinction.  The first prize winners are presented in a full-page of engravings. (See picture"Cochin China Fowls")

PIDGEON-FANCIERS SHOW – The annual show of the Philo-Peristeron Society was held at the Freemason’s Tavern, Great Queen Street.  This show was established in 1846, and is remarked to be one of the best ever held.  The ladies in attendance were great admirers of the beautiful plumage and graceful carriages of this class of birds.  An engraving depicting the show is presented.

NEW IMPLEMENT OF DESTRUCTION – Mr. James Nasmyth has invented an anti-invasion floating mortar, for the use of destroying a large enemy ship with one masterly blow.  Engravings and descriptions of the device are presented. (See illustration "Anti-Invasion Floating Mortar")

EMIGRATION FROM THE ISLE OF SKYE – The Island is a picturesque attraction for artist in the summer.  The truth is that the inhabitants of the Island are poor, and migrating to the mainland is the only hope for better conditions. Six engravings show the landscape and the means of existence for the people upon the Island.

THE THEATRES – DRURY LANE – A new play by Mr. C. Reade, “Masks and Faces,” is reviewed, the theme of the play being the cause of emigration and the discovery of gold.

THE MARBLE STATUES FOUND IN WINDSOR FOREST – A reader, who wished to remain anonymous, gives some insight into where these statues might have originated from, as he lived in the vicinity of Windsor Castle for several years in his youth.

LANDSLIP UPON THE SOUTH-DEVON RAILWAY – The late gales, and the long continued wet weather, have had a serious effect upon the South Devon Railway, lying along, as it does, between Exeter and Teignmouth, close to the sea, and under friable red sandstone cliffs.  An engraving depicting the landslide near the sea,which covered the tracks, is presented.

NEW YEAR’S FESTIVAL AT COLNEY HATCH – The description of the celebration is presented with an engraving depicting the festivities, held in Middlesex County.

NEW COINAGE FOR CAMBOJA – Birmingham bids fair to mint money for all of England and its colonies.  A complete set of coining machinery has been ordered from Birmingham, intended to constitute the Royal Mint of Camboja.  An engraving of a representative coin is presented.

OFFICIAL SEAL FOR THE VICE-KING OF SIAM – This is another instance of the employment of British art for official purposes in the East.  A description of the seal along with an engraving is presented.

EQUESTRIAN STATUE OF LORD HARDINGE – The sculpture is the work of J.H. Foley, who modeled the horse from Lord Hardinge’s favorite Arab, “Meanee” to express the characteristic eagerness for action.  An engraving of the sculpture is presented. (See picture "Statue of Viscount Hardinge")

ATHENS – The city of Athens, toward the close of last October, was the scene of a violent hurricane, and among the devastating effects was the unroofing of the British Chapel.  A detailed account of the storm is presented by Thomas Bellot, of the Royal Navy.  A landscape engraving of Athens is presented.

MRS. HARRIET BEECHER STOWE – A short biography is presented which includes the events, which led her to write her popular novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”.  Mrs. Stowe visited England to give an address at the invitation of Dr. Wardlaw in behalf of a number of ladies and gentlemen of Glasgow. (See portrait "Harriet Beecher Stowe")

BANQUET TO THE AMERICAN MINISTER AT MANCHESTER – A description of the banquet, held in honor of the new American minister to England, at the town hall in Manchester is presented along with an engraving of the event.

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