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Royal Menagerie, Exeter Change, Strand, London, c1820
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Royal Menagerie, Exeter Change, Strand, London, c1820
Royal Menagerie, Exeter Change, Strand, London, c1820. Edward Cross kept his menagerie here until Exeter Change was demolished in 1829 and he moved it to the Surrey Gardens, Walworth c1830. Animals in the cramped cages include an elephant, lion, tiger, apes/monkeys and parrots. In the background visitors are being shown exhibits by a keeper, while in the foreground a family party is looking round. After Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827)
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Media ID 14865450
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Cage Caged Confined Cramped Cross Cruelty Edward Elephant Exeter Change Feline Imprisonment Keeper Lion Menagerie Monkey Oxford Science Archive Rowlandson Strand The Strand Thomas Rowlandson Tiger Zookeeper Zoological Gardens Aquatint City Of Westminster
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the Royal Menagerie at Exeter Change in London, circa 1820. Edward Cross, the proprietor of this remarkable establishment, housed a variety of exotic animals within its walls until its demolition in 1829. The menagerie was then relocated to Surrey Gardens in Walworth around 1830. In this image, we witness the cramped conditions endured by these magnificent creatures. An elephant, lion, tiger, apes/monkeys, and parrots are confined to their cages against their natural instincts for freedom. Their vibrant colors stand out against the somber backdrop of captivity. As visitors explore the exhibits under the guidance of a keeper in the background, a family party takes center stage in the foreground. They observe with curiosity and perhaps conflicting emotions as they witness both wonder and confinement simultaneously. The scene raises questions about our relationship with animals during that era - concepts such as cruelty and imprisonment come to mind when contemplating these captive beings. It serves as a stark reminder of how zoos have evolved over time to prioritize animal welfare and conservation efforts. This historical photograph not only provides insight into England's fascination with exotic creatures but also sheds light on societal attitudes towards wildlife during the nineteenth century. It is an invaluable record of an era long gone but still relevant today as we continue to strive for ethical treatment and preservation of our fellow inhabitants on this planet.
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