Puns, puppets of Shakespearian characters, fashions in bonnets, the Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly, etc., representing Albert Smith's performance 'Ascent of Mont Blanc'. Lithograph after J.O. Parry, 185-.

The wording suggests ironically that Albert Smith's performance 'Ascent of Mont Blanc' will take place at Chamonix in front of the real Mont Blanc instead of at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, in front of a painted backdrop of Mont Blanc

"On 12 August 1851 Smith climbed Mont Blanc with three Oxford students and sixteen guides. On 15 March 1852 'Mr. Albert Smith's Ascent of Mont Blanc' opened at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, on a stage resembling a Swiss chalet. He interspersed descriptions of his journey to Chamonix with patter songs lampooning British tourists in Europe, and St Bernard dogs roamed the hall during the intermission. The show culminated in his dramatic account of the ascent, again illustrated by [William] Beverley. 'Mont Blanc' was a sensational success and ran for six years. Smith gave several command performances—on 24 August 1854 he put on a performance before the queen and the prince consort at Osborne House—and even acted as guide for the prince of Wales at Chamonix. He earned a fortune from his show, much of it from Mont Blanc merchandise, including colouring-books, fans, games, and miniature replicas of the mountain. He also published The story of Mont Blanc (1853), describing his own and earlier ascents. The lecture programme was changed each year by adding new characters, varying the route to Chamonix, and inserting fresh references to contemporary events. 'Mont Blanc' closed after its 2000th performance on 6 July 1858."-- Oxford dictionary of national biography

1850-1859

1 print : transfer lithograph of a pen drawing

Mont Blanc. Sole lessee, Albert Smith. Per-se St. London. Mr Albert Smith having nearly "used up" his 49th set of views of Mont Blanc, is most happy to announce, that he has succeeded in securing The Great Original, for future representations, and in consequence, has removed from the Egyptian Hall, Picadilly, to "Ice-cream Chalet", Chamouni, from the balcony of which, he will lecture, every hour throughout the day, until sunset: and also. (as a great attraction) has made arrangements, that on clear and moonlight nights, he will continue to lecture until sunrise, when the daily represestations will continue as usual! "Per-se St. London": Smith lived at 12 Percy Street, off Tottenham Court Road, London

Signed with monogram JP and a harp: Parry was also a harpist

Wellcome Collection 32508i