Vintage Cries of London Engraving (Matted & Framed) "Old Chairs to Mend". A wonderful image of a chair mender from Wheatley's famous "Cries of London" series. The "Cries of London" was a recurring theme in English printmaking for over three centuries. These prints form a visual record of London's "lower orders", the peddlers, charlatans, street hawkers, milkmaids, and grocers who made their living on the city streets. They give the viewer a glimpse of a long-forgotten London where tradesmen would advertise their wares with a musical shout or a melodic rhyme. Different versions of the "Cries" vary in tone from idealistic visions of contented street vendors to satirical caricatures of humorous urban figures. One of the most famous series of "London Cries" is the group of pretty pictures executed by Francis Wheatley. Wheatley's series was immensely popular and enjoyed a long period of success in the English print shops. The framed print is approx 17" x 3/4" x 21" and it weighs 3.5lb. The print itself is approx 9" x 12". The framed engraving is in a good, vintage condition with some wear and scratches on the frame and some debris behind the glass.