Vauxhall Gardens, shewing the Grand Walk, at the entrance of the Garden, and the Orchestra with the Musick Playing

Following the opening of the lavishly designed New Spring Gardens at Vauxhall in 1732 public pleasure gardens became very fashionable in London. Exotic temples were installed where visitors could dine listening to an orchestra playing in elegant surroundings. Vauxhall was a very popular subject with print publishers and this engraving was part of a series published by John Bowles after drawings by Samuel Wale, 21 November 1751.

Here one of the highlights of Vauxhall is shown, namely the entrance to the Grand Walk, which enabled all classes of Londoners to enjoy promenading in gardens, an activity previously restricted to the aristocracy. The orchestra pavilion on the left is also portrayed where the Prince of Wales entertained celebrated musicians. One such musician was Handel whose statue was created by the French sculptor Roubiliac and installed at Vauxhall in 1738.