In the early 19th century cheap broadsides detailing murders or sensational crimes, and the subsequent execution, were sold in the streets for a penny or less at the place of execution of the criminal featured in the particular broadside. These ephemeral publications were intended for the middle or lower classes, and featured the last dying speeches of the convicted. Extremely popular especially in instances of sensational crimes, a printer would frequently produce more than one version of the event: the broadside first reporting the crime could subsequently be edited to include accounts of later developments, or in particularly important cases, to display illustrations of the perpetrator, the scene of the crime, or the actual place of execution. They would also carry a warning of a moral plea to the reader to avoid the same fate as the executed.
Trails and Execution, Sorrowful Lamentations.
Recreation of titlepage with added historical elements. Printed on handmade paper resembling the look and feel of paper from the period the work was produced (8.5" x 11"), or textured watercolour paper (5"x7"). Printed with archival inks, and packaged in protective sheet and cardboard backing.