[Bill of Fare – Vauxhall Gardens (London)]

Vauxhall Royal Gardens, 1829. 20 Day of June, 1829...

[London]: Balue Printer, 38, Gracechurch Street, [1829].

Tall broadside bill of fare (42 x 12.5 cm.), printed recto only. A printed bill of fare for Vauxhall Royal Gardens, a dining establishment within the walls of Vauxhall Gardens, the London pleasure garden, founded in the mid-17th Century and originally named New Spring Garden. For two centuries it was one of the leading venues for public entertainment in London and featured tightrope walkers, hot-air balloon ascents, concerts and fireworks. The bill of fare features refreshments (a chicken, plate of collared beef, tart, cheesecake, heart cake, Shrewsbury cake, plate of olives, pot of stout, and a pair of wax lights). Salads seem to have been a thing, but elements (lemon, lettuce, cucumber, cruet of oil) were offered separately. "The Pastry and Confectionery are furnished by Mr. Farrance." The wine list offers Port, Sherry, Bucellas, Lisbon, Moselle, Teneriffe, Madeira, Sauterne, Barsac, Claret, Old Hock, Champagne, Burgundy, etc. Handwritten on the bill is the specific date, the Box No. (or table and waiter's name, and the costs and total of the meal). Creases, and one professional paper repair toward the bottom of the leaf; light age-toning. Very good.

Price: $450.00