Gin Lane, 1751

Gin Lane is a print issued in 1751 by English artist Willam Hogarth in support of what would become the Gin Act of 1751, through which the number of gin shops was greatly reduced.

This illustration depicts the evils of gin-drinking and was published as part of a campaign against the uncontrolled production and sale of cheap gin.  Gin Lane was designed to be viewed alongside Beer Street contrasting the evils of gin consumption with the merits of beer drinking.

On Gin Lane there is a terrible deterioration of morals, the street is in a state of neglect, the people ill and unkempt.  People are begging the pawnbroker to buy their belongings so that they can purchase more gin.  Gin was cheap and readily available in 18th century England and caused a whole range of social and health problems.

This print is produced on St Cuthbert's Mill special acid free archival artboard.  The overall loose print size is 24cm x 33cm.  The framed print is presented in 20mm black wood archivist moulding, complete with rope hanger over hardboard back with a cream board mount.  The overall size is 33cm x 43cm.