Sujet
Scene of the firework explosion in Lambeth, 1873. Creator: Unknown.
Légende
Scene of the firework explosion in Lambeth, [south London], 1873. A '...shocking accident...at the house in Broad-street...occupied by Mr. Fenwick...[who,] unknown to his neighbours, carried on his business of a firework-maker in the house. The explosion blew out the front parlour window, hurled Fenwick's lifeless body through the opening, cracked the walls, blew up the ceiling, killed Mrs. Fenwick, and set fire to the house...Fenwick's body lay in the roadway, entirely naked...The fire-engines came, and quickly subdued the flames; but the remains of eight human bodies were found in the ruins of the house...The fire-brigade discovered some firework cases, the remains of a small 10lb. keg of gunpowder, the bottom of another keg upon which were the exploded remnants of "fizzing powder," a composition of sulphur, charcoal, and steel filings; [and] a press for making rockets...It is thought by some that Fenwick was at work making fireworks when, by over-compression or by a spark from the fire flying into the powder, the explosion happened; and that his clothes were burnt or torn off his body, as does sometimes happen, by the fiery blast...The law prohibiting this dangerous manufacture in common dwelling houses should be more strictly enforced'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.
Crédit
Photo12/Heritage Images/The Print Collector
Notre référence
HRM25A12_456
Model release
NA
Property release
NA
Licence
Droits gérés
Format disponible
9,8Mo (1012,7Ko) / 14,9cm x 16,4cm / 1764 x 1938 (300dpi)