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Sailors Drinking the Tunbridge Waters

Publisher Thomas Tegg British
March 1, 1815
Not on view
A young woman stands by the pump and offers a drink to a sailor who scratches his head. She says: "Be assured it is an excellent beverage for Gentlemen who have been a long time at sea." He answers: "Why lookee Ma-am I dont wish to be unpolite But if your Ladyships Honor pleases—I had rather hang fire—a bit—for d'ye see it gave our Poll, the belly ache—and D—n the Gripes, I never could bear them they twiddled me up decently when I was last in the Meditaranean." An elderly sailor at right tries to drink water and says: "D—d Queer Tipple to be sure!" Another sailor holds his drink and gives a coin to a small boy at right, saying, "Harkee young two-shoes—go and get me a pint of half and half and a Squeeze of Lemon —for D—n me if I could drink it neat if I was never to weigh Anchor Again."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Sailors Drinking the Tunbridge Waters
  • Artist: Thomas Rowlandson (British, London 1757–1827 London)
  • Publisher: Thomas Tegg (British, London 1776–1846 London)
  • Date: March 1, 1815
  • Medium: Hand-colored etching
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 10 in. × 13 7/16 in. (25.4 × 34.2 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1959
  • Object Number: 59.533.1597
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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