Catlin, Susannah, Mrs

Introduction:

'Catlin's Saloon of Arts', the studio of London-born SUSANNAH CATLIN (1818-1890), was located in the 'Thames Tunnel' about 70 feet below the river and was surely the most singular address from which any profilist traded. From Spring 1843, when it opened, Tunnel visitor numbers were immense and over the next 10 years Mrs Catlin's output of cut-work silhouettes was likely considerable. However few works are extant and are, at best, of modest merit.

Beset by major financial and practical issues, engineered by Marc Isambard Brunel (1769-1849) and cynically dubbed 'The Great Bore', the Thames Tunnel took 18 years to complete. Conceived as a pedestrian link between North and South Bank Docklands, constuction began in 1825 by sinking 80 ft deep shafts at Rotherhithe and Wapping. The tunnel linking them both was 1,300 ft long, 20 ft high, 35 ft wide and was split into two roadways by transverse arches.

Being the first tunnel built under a navigable river and anticipating keen public interest, the Thames Tunnel Company cannily fitted out the structure as a souvenir emporium. Accessed by turnstiles charging a penny a head toll, visitors descended via the shaft's spiral staircases flanked by 'objects of curiosity' and paintings. Gas lit and stuccoed throughout, the tunnel's arches were furnished with mirrors to maximise lighting levels, marble counters and gilded shelves for confectionery, 'fancy' and toy stands. In 1851 an American tourist noted almost all were fronted by 'fashionably dressed' young women.

In the month following its opening, the WEEKLY CHRONICLE, 22nd April 1843, recorded 'upwards of 320,000' people had passed through the turnstiles, and numbers remained undiminished well into the 1850s. Whether Catlin's 'Saloon of Arts' was in place to profit from the initial surge of sightseers is unknown. First recorded during the week-long 'Fancy Fair and Bazaar' held yearly to celebrate the tunnel's opening, THE ERA 23rd March 1845 stated '...the Saloon of Arts in the Rotherhithe shaft appeared to be the leading attraction.'  Certainly it attracted Royalty, as the WEEKLY DISPATCH 19th December 1847 related the 'Saloon' was patronised by the Duchess of Cambridge.

Almost certainly all profiles were cut-work. Almost certainly all were unframed, which in part accounts for their rarity. Probably all bore one of two stencil stamps. The first, used until circa 1852, reads 'Mrs Catlin, Artist, Saloon of Arts, Base of Rotherhithe Shaft, Thames Tunnel'. The second, used post 1852, as evidenced by newsprint, substituted 'Saloon...'  for 'Pavilion of Arts' . Bust-size works are likely signed 'S.Catlin' and dated.

A rare, undated handbill stated, with their patrons exceeding 12,000, proprietors 'Mr and Mrs Catlin's... VERY LOW CHARGES must give them the superiority above all other Artists in their line, in the United Kingdom... [terms were]...In Black-Profiles 6d, Shaded 1s 6d, Half-length 2s 6d. In Color (sic)-Side-face bust 2s 6d, Half-length 5s, Front-face 6s 6d '.

The Catlins last appeared in newsprint in BELL's LIFE in LONDON 19th March 1854, offering 'correct likenesses either in profile or Daguerrotype'. Recorded on the above handbill, a second address, '3 Broadway' may have been their Daguerrotype studio, as their abode, listed in 1840-1870 trade directories and Census returns, was located in Rotherhithe's Russell St. STANFORD's  London map of 1864 placed 'Broadway' on Church St. close to the Rotherhithe shaft. However with the Catlins absent from photographic records, this branch of their enterprise was seemingly short lived.

Regarding her personal circumstances, born Susannah Thompson on New Years Day 1818, she was the third of 11 siblings, 6 daughters and 5 sons, born and baptised in Rotherhithe between 1809-1831 to Elizabeth née Harrison (1787-post 1851) and John Thompson (1777-1860). Thompson was variously a ship-breaker, shopkeeper, trinket seller - and was finally recorded in the 1851 Census as a, presumably highly vulnerable, blind woodcutter !

Susannah Thompson married Bedford-born hairdresser, William Catlin (1812-1879) at Lewisham in September 1834. Evidenced by the register, she was illiterate. The degree of William Catlin's input in both profile and Daguerrotype ventures is unknown, as 1840-1870 directories and Census returns list him solely a 'hairdresser'. In addition it's curious that, although already well established as the Thames Tunnel profilist, Susannah Catlin is recorded without occupation in the 1851 Census.

Between 1836-1847 she bore 5 sons and 1 daughter: William John (1836-1844), Charles (1838-1843), Edwin (1840-1908), George (1844-1911), Jesse (1845-1930) and Emma Elizabeth (1847-1854). The only offspring decamping from the district, son Edwin became a National School's master in the village of Handley, Cheshire. Wed in London in 1870, between 1872-1876 his wife bore 2 sons and 2 daughters in Handley. Described as 'zealous and talented' in the CHESHIRE OBSERVER 4th January 1873, in January 1876 the same newspaper recorded pupil numbers greatly increased by the exertions of Catlin and his wife. Aged 34, she died in April 1877. Leaving his post. Catlin returned to his parents' Rotherhithe home where 3 of his 4 infant offspring died in 1878. His father, William Catlin, died the year followng.

Aged 72, Susannah Catlin's death was registered October-December 1890 at St. Olaves, Southwark, Surrey. Her place of interment is unknown.

REVISED: 22 May 2026 (Brian Wellings)