Fleet Street

Sketched with a pen in ink over pencil outlines, with shading and clouds in ink wash, this sketch shows a view east along Fleet Street on the occasion of the Duke of Wellington’s funeral, 18 November 1852. Although the crowd and procession are not included (the street has been left blank) there are several figures standing on balconies and at windows to watch the event. The corner building at the left is the offices of Punch magazine, at 85 Fleet Street.

This drawing was probably the basis for a wood-engraved illustration in the 27 November 1852 edition of the Illustrated London News, captioned: The Civic Authorities in the Duke of Wellington’s funeral procession passing down Fleet Street, London & the offices of 'Punch'. Edward Henry Corbould was a British artists, known as a watercolourist, illustrator and historical painter.