The new Lord Mayor in November 1836 was Thomas Kelly, who
started life as a poor farmer’s boy and eventually became a highly
successful London publisher. This picture depicts the Lord Mayor’s
Show at the top of Ludgate Hill turning into St Paul’s Churchyard.
Behind the Lord Mayor’s Coach are the figures of the Guildhall
giants, Gog and Magog. Two men are fighting at bottom right – a
surprising detail. Roberts gave this picture to a house painter
named John Clarke in part payment for painting his house in
Mornington Place.
St Paul's Cathedral with the Lord Mayor's
Procession
David Roberts
Oil on panel
1837