This print and glowing article appeared in ‘The Illustrated London News’ on 9 February 1856 on pages 157 and 158.
Woodin
The advertisement features Woodin with his ‘Carpet Bag’ and ‘Sketch Book’ in the Large Room “which has been (at considerable expense) entirely remodelled and magnificently decorated”.
The year is not given but in 1869, when 29 November fell on a Monday, Woodin was at the Egyptian Hall. The probable date is therefore 1869. By this date Mr W.S. Woodin was well known for his excellent performances including his ‘Carpet Bag’ sketch.
Woodin (1825-1888) was particularly well known for his two entertainments the ‘Carpet Bag’ and the ‘Olio of Oddities’. He was a protean artiste and ventriloquist skilled in creating entertainments with many voices, mannerisms and costumes. His successes in London include performances at the Polygraphic Hall and the Egyptian Hall. This engraving is by D.J. Pound based on a photograph by Gill of London.