Separate cell in the old part of the prison at Brixton

Book illustration showing a separate cell in the old part of the prison at Brixton, from page 180 of 'The criminal prisons of London and scenes of prison life' by Henry Mayhew and John Binny. The old cells, in the old Surrey House of Correction building, were described by the authors as follows: "These cells are each provided with a gas-jet and chimney, and triangular shelves, as well as a small stool and table, and a little deal box for keeping cloths in, and which can also be used as a rest for the feet. Then there is a hammock, to be slung from wall to wall, as at Pentonville, and the rug and blankets of which are usually folded up and stacked against the side... The cells are all whitewashed, and as white as Alpine snow, with their coat of lime, so that they try the sight sorely after a time".