The Adam and Eve, St Pancras

This small drawing by the artist Thomas Rowlandson portrays the Adam and Eve Tea Gardens at St. Pancras, north London. A game of skittles is taking place in the foreground, surrounded by spectators. In the background, the Old Church St. Pancras can be seen.

The Tea Gardens resembled 18th century pleasure gardens. They were frequented by pleasure-seekers looking for respite from the working life of the city. An 'Adam and Eve Tavern' was also erected on the site of the gardens, which offered 'genteel and rural' entertainment.

Although this drawing has evidence of Rowlandson's characteristic satirical wit, it is unusual in that all the individuals depicted appear to be behaving themselves. While their faces and figures are exaggerated slightly, their attention is on the game being played and they are in keeping with the 'genteel' nature of the site.