Poster for the East London Aquarium, 1881. © The British Library Board Evan.421
1. What kind of attractions can you see at the East London Aquarium?
2. What animals can you see?
3. This is situated in the Whitechapel area – can everyone go?
Transcript
[Central text:]
East London Aquarium
Menagerie & Wax Work Exhibition
Bishopsgate Street
Opposite Worship Street adjoining Bishopsgate station on G.E.R.
Admission One Penny
Under new management
For detailed particulars see hand bills.
[Clockwise from top left]
[Illustration of sword fighting] Performances daily in the theatre at 2,4,6,8 & 10.
[Illustration of large archway and visitors entering] East London Aquarium Entrance
[Illustration of visitors looking at animals in cages] Bear & Monkey Room
[Illustration of lion tamer and lions watched by an audience] Lions perform daily at 3,7 & 9.30
[Illustration of public beside large bird cage] Rifle gallery, Bird shows etc.
[Illustration of three ‘cave’ alcoves] Cave with illuminated views.
[Illustration of public looking at waxworks] Wax works new addition with room over.
[Illustration of public walking around a fountain between aquarium tanks] Fountain, the tanks with seal etc.
Sir John Bennett in opening the new additions said “that the insitition to which the admission was only one penny, was a marvel. There was natural history and science for the million, there were wax-works and also a theatre. He congratulated the proprietor on his judgment, enterprise and liberal outlay.” Vide City Press, December 3, 1881.
“Sir John Bennett in a very characteristic speech described the East London Aquarium as a marvellous institution in the midst of a multitude of people, and opened at a price which brings it within reach of all. A penny is the coin of the people, he said, and he pointed out that it is now becoming respectable and even fashionable.” Vide Society, December 7th 1881.
[On right side] Sir John Bennett said “This place of entertainment was the wonder of many people. It was a marvellous institution.” Vide Eastern Argus, December 10th 1881.
[On left side] Sir John in opening the most recent additions to the show, expressed his approval of every attempt to provide cheap recreation. Hear, Hear! Vide the Referee, December 11th 1881.
[At bottom] “This place of entertainment has become exceedingly and, it may be added, deservedly popular in the neighbourhood in which it is situated.” Vide Sir John Bennett’s Speech, Daily News, December 2nd 1881.
“The exhibition is well worthy a visit, and is calculated to be a decided boon to London, sources of amusement being very limited indeed.” Vide The Citizen, December 3rd, 1881.