Summer amusement at Margate, or, A peep at the mermaids [graphic]

"In the foreground is a low cliff or bank overlooking the sands; from this four elderly men are eagerly and delightedly looking through telescopes at naked ladies disporting in the sea. An angry woman (right) tugs at the coat-tails of one of them; she has a tiny sunshade, and like her husband is grossly fat. Bathing machines are in the water, with hoods covering the steps to the sea. A fat bathing woman pushes a lady up the steps of a machine. Behind the spectators is a 'Circulating Library'; above the lower floors is a large balcony from which more men are gazing through telescopes. On the extreme right is a doorway placarded: 'Hot Sea Baths'; a fat man with a crutch walks in. In the background a jetty projects from the sands, with a windlass, and packages of goods. Behind are small vessels."--British Museum online catalogue