Poor Tom Bowling

Print depicting a mourning scene. A casket inscribed with the name ‘Tom Bowling’ is set up in a room that is furnished for a sailor. It contains a bed and chair, and a sword, a map and a coat are hung on the wall. A woman sits on the edge of the bed with her hands together and her head bent towards the casket. In the middle of the room is a man dressed as a sailor. He has taken off his hat and is gesturing towards the casket. A docile dog looks up at him. Underneath the illustration is the publishing line, which reveals that the print was published by Laurie & Whittle in 1794, and an accompanying ballad titled ‘Poor Tom Bowling’ by the composer Charles Dibdin. It tells the story of Tom Bowling – a virtuous and a jolly sailor who faithfully did his duty until he died. He is positioned as a hero worthy of celebration. Dibdin was a prolific composer of nautical ballads, often designed to promote a patriotic idea of the Royal Navy and its sailors.