PASS-ROOM BRIDEWELL.

DateMarch 1, 1808

Engraver Hill

After work by Rowlandson & Pugin

Publisher Rudolph Ackermann

Engraver Rowlandson & Pugin

OriginEngland, London

MediumBlack and white etching with aquatint and period hand color

DimensionsOH: 10 7/8" x OW: 13 1/4"; Plate H: 9 1/8" x W: 11 1/8"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. E. Hope Norton.

Object number1976-291

DescriptionThe upper margin reads: "Plate 12."

The lower margin reads: PASS-ROOM BRIDEWELL./ Pugin & Rowlandson del.t et sculp.t/ Hill aqua.t/ London Pub. 1. March 1808. at R. Ackermann's Repository of Arts 101Strand."

Label TextThis image of the Pass Room at Bridewell is taken from Ackermann's Microcosm of London (1808-11). Bridewell Hospital was a prison for the homeless, criminals, unmarried mothers, and prostitutes. Text accompanying the print reads: "The annexed print gives an accurate and interesting view of this abode of wretchedness, the PASS-ROOM. It was provided by a late act of Parliament, that paupers, claiming settlements in distant parts of the kindgom, should be confined for seven days previous to their being sent of to their respective parishes; and this is the room appointed by the magistracy of the city for one class of miserable females [single mothers]. The characters are finely varied, the general effect broad and simple, and the perspective natural and easy." It is suggested that the space was a birthing room for unwed mothers.