Drawings of London street life.

Robert James Moser (1828-1908) is noted as a painter of landscapes, active at London between 1871 and 1893 . He exhibited five works at the Royal Academy, from 1871 to 1885, all views on the south coast (see: Wood, Christopher. Victorian painters). At his death in 1908, he resided in Hampstead. Robert Oswald Moser (1874-1953), the youngest of Moser's 11 children, studied at St John's Wood Art School, exhibiting portraits and other paintings between 1904 and 1940. In Graves's The Royal Academy of Arts (1906), Oswald Moser's address is listed as "23 Maresfield Gardens, Hampstead," the same address recorded in the present sketchbook.
Bound in original tan cloth. The front cover is signed R.J. Moser.
Sketchbook with 37 drawings of London street life, by Robert James Moser, 1888. Drawings are on the rectos only of a small oblong sketch book sold by Reeves & Sons (with their ticket), signed on front pastedown: "Rob. Jas. Moser, 23 Maresfield Gardens, Hampstead." All scenes are skillfully drawn in black ink, most with gray wash. None is signed. Three drawings near the front are dated. The first two dates are crossed out, but the third remains: "Dec 24 [?] /88."
The sketchbook depicts scenes of Victorian street life, including drawings of working people, poverty, and idle entertainment. A number of drawings are in the manner of cries, with peddlers hawking various wares (but without accompanying text or rhymes). Scenes include: children singing Christmas carols; "A day in the country"; "Tramps"; an organ grinder; "Mad dog"; street scuffles; a seller of snake oil; men bearing signboards for Hengler's circus; a meat cart; "Music of the gutter"; "The Daily Graphic"; girls dancing; street (or chimney) sweepers; an audience at a Punch and Judy show; and flower sellers.