John Pounds by William Sharp and Ephraim Bouve

Pounds, John · 1843-1844

This colored print depicts a teacher named John Pounds repairing a shoe and listening to a boy standing next to him reading aloud from a book. Many other children line the schoolroom. Bird cages, shoe forms, books, shoes, boots, and a stack of slates decorate the wall. Two birds sit on the shelf and a cat stands by Pounds' feet. John Pounds (1766-1839) taught impoverished children in Portsmouth, England. His innovative teaching methods and philanthropic aims have been celebrated in publications, paintings, and memorials in his honor.