18th Century Engraving of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, London

Vauxhall Gardens in Kennington was one of the principal venues for public entertainment in London for two centuries. It was mentioned by Pepys in 1660 but closed around 1850. Approached from the river, there were several acres of shady walks where couples could meet in private, and food and drink stalls. By 18th century there were concerts, firework displays, acrobatic acts etc and the Prince of Wales patronised the Gardens, which therefore became a hot society venue. Unfortunately it went downhill in time, gaining a reputation for prostitution. This engraving by Js Müller after Wade dates to around 1751. It is an aerial view showing the shady walks, the central concert pavilion and the smart dining alcoves to the side where one could see and be seen. The site still exists as a park in Kennington but no trace of this social phenomenon remains. Müller (who also called himself Miller) was a German engraver and botanist who came to England in 1744 and worked with Phillip Miller of Chelsea Physic Garden. He did botanical illustrations and also landscapes and exhibited at Royal Academy.