Early 19th.Century Watercolour Drawing Study Of A Gallows Erected For The Execution Of The Luddite James Towle 1816

Historically important Early 19th.Century Industrial Revolution Ink and watercolour drawing. Depicting a gallows prepared for the execution of the "Luddite" James Towle. Inscribed in ink "Perspective View of the New drop erected the 20th of November 1816 at the new Gaol for the Execution of James Towle a Luddite for breaking 53 lace frames on the night of the 28th June 1816 at the factory of Messrs Heathcote & Boden at Loughborough, the damage done in the office in half an hour was from 7 to 8000£. (@£840,000 in todays values). 22.7 by 28 cms. Presented in an early 19th.Century ebonised fruitwood frame 29 by 34.2 cms overall.

James Towle, a member of a Luddite gang was from Basford near Nottingham, executed for his part in the attack on the lace factory of Heathcote and Boden.

"Luddites" destroyed machines throughout the Midlands in the period 1811-1816. The new lace making machines were perceived to be destroying skilled jobs and to be emboldening the master manufacturers to treat their workers with contempt. The Luddites may have been wrong in their belief that they could hold back technological change, but they were an organised and principled people who were trying to use their view of the world to bring back social justice, the term "Luddite" was viewed at the time amongst many as a badge of honour, rather than today where it is seen as a term of abuse.

An account of the execution states that The Luddites appeared very cheerful, singing hymns on their way to execution, looking to heaven but not admitting their guilt. They carried oranges and threw them to the people they recognised telling them to save them for their children. Towle did not speak, all the men died with dignity. "Towle, a fresh looking youth, betrayed no symptoms of agitation, until towards the close of the tragic scene, when, on the cap being pulled over his face, he evidently seemed much affected."

The executioner Mr Musson used the new drop system of hanging. A technological advance. A long rope which would break the neck and kill quickly rather than previous slow strangulation.