Trade Card for W. Mays, Music Engraver 1800 - 1900

This is a trade card for W. Mays, a music engraver, made by an anonymous artist. We can learn much about the social and institutional history of the arts by looking at an object like this. The card’s ornate design, with its elaborate script and flourishes, speaks to the importance of craftsmanship and artistry in the commercial world. The phrase "Apprentice of the late M'Carrell" connects Mays to a lineage of skilled artisans. The address "17 Princes St. Soho" places the engraver in a specific geographic and cultural context, London. A closer study of London's economic history during this period would help us understand the rise of artisans like Mays. These seemingly small details open a window into understanding broader issues in the history of labor and industry.