2-798-408 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Barry, the Clown, on the Thames, 1844. Scene on the River Thames in London: '...an eccentric feat of very rare, though not unprecedented enactment. Mr. [Thomas] Barry, one of the clowns at Astley's theatre...announced his intention of sailing from Vauxhall-bridge to Westminster-bridge in a washing-tub, drawn by four geese. The crowd assembled to witness this strange undertaking, was very great...Mr. Barry, in his clown's dress, and accompanied by several of his friends, arrived at the bridge, and...stepped into his tub and proceeded on his "voyage". The tide being in his favour he went along smoothly enough, and he had but little difficulty in making the geese swim in their proper course. An immense number of boats accompanied this strange water party, and the intrepid voyageur having disembarked at Westminster-bridge amidst loud cheers, proceeded to the theatre'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.