Graffiti's golden age: radicalism & romance in the 18th century
Apr 21, 2024
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Elinor Evans, author of 'Writing on the Wall', delves into 18th-century British graffiti culture, revealing stories of soldiers, sex workers, and famed poets leaving their marks. From playful banter to potent political tools, graffiti evolved amidst societal changes. The podcast explores the diverse voices and rebellious nature of graffiti in the 18th century, shedding light on marginalized voices and historical documentation.
18th-century graffiti transitioned from everyday practice to radical expression, reflecting societal shifts and sparking power struggles.
Graffiti in the 18th century provided a diverse platform for individuals to share beliefs, challenges, and aspirations, offering insights into societal fabric.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Graffiti in the 18th Century
In the 18th century, graffiti evolved from a common everyday practice to a more radical form of expression, challenging modern perceptions of street art. Initially part of daily life, graffiti in the medieval period was spiritual and superstitious, with symbols reflecting individual and community beliefs. However, as society shifted, graffiti transitioned from a spiritual practice to a means of rebellion and reflection of social and political turmoil. The revolution in graffiti marked a shift in the 18th century, where individuals began using graffiti to express controversial and explosive ideas, sparking real-world effects and power struggles.
Social Shifts and Graffiti in the Aftermath of Glorious Revolution
Social changes following the Glorious Revolution included increased literacy rates, leading more people to express their concerns through graffiti. Construction booms provided new surfaces for writing, while the printing press revolutionized communication. Graffiti offered anonymity and became a tool for expressing controversial ideas in an uncensored way. By the 18th century, graffiti played a role in political discourse and social tensions, becoming a form of public debate and expression for diverse voices in society.
Graffiti as a Voice of the People in the 18th Century
In the 18th century, graffiti was created by a wide range of individuals, from sailors and soldiers to sex workers and political agitators. Children also participated, leaving diverse expressions across surfaces. Graffiti provided a platform for people to share their personal beliefs, ambitions, and struggles, offering insights into the societal fabric of the 18th century. The diversity of voices and messages in graffiti provided a holistic view of societal values, relationships, and aspirations, offering a unique glimpse into history.
Impact of Graffiti on Revolution and Social Change
Graffiti played a significant role in driving revolution and social change, leading to civil unrest and power struggles. Examples from the Gordon riots in the 1780s and political movements showed how graffiti wielded influence as a form of protest and communication. From John Wilkes' supporters using graffiti as a code to the anti-Catholic sentiments displayed in the 1760s and 1770s, graffiti became a powerful tool for expressing dissent and shaping the course of history.
From etchings scratched into the earliest monuments, to the spray can designs that appear on structures today, the urge to leave our mark is universal. But in 18th-century Britain, the nature of graffiti changed; both exploding in popularity and becoming much more radical in nature. Speaking to Elinor Evans about her new book, Writing on the Wall, Madeleine Pelling explores this shift. She investigates the stories behind scraps of graffiti, from chalk markings made by soldiers and sex workers, to glyphs scratched onto windows by famed poets, and reveals what they can tell us about life in 18th-century Britain.