An antique, 19th century print of the drawing, 'The Cockpit' by William Hogarth

This drawing was produced by Hogarth on 5th November 1759

The gentleman in the centre is Lord Albermarle Bertie who was blind - hence how his eyes have been drawn - best seen in photograph 3. Lord Albermarle died in 1765. A number of spectators are taking advantage of the Lord's affliction and distracting him so that he can be relieved of his money.

The drawing is of the Royal Cockpit which was situated in Birdcage Walk, St. James' Park in London. There is the shadow of a debtor (suspended in a basket) over the centre of the picture (photograph 3) and a 'pit ticket' in the centre at the bottom. This ticket would have granted admission to the fight. 

I took the engraving out of the glass in order to clean the glass. I have added new glazier points hence the new brown sealing paper seen in one of the photographs. 

The frame is called a Hogarth frame. It takes its name from the firm, 'Joseph Hogarth & Sons' which produced in the 19th century a debased version of the 'Peartree frame' which was used by Hogarth for his drawings. 

The image may be considered to be politically incorrect these days, but we can't change history, and have to accept that cock fighting occurred. The print is a representation of what life was like for some in 18th century England

Postage is just to within the UK mainland with delivey being via UPS

Please see my other items which are predominantly 18th and 19th century in date