As the words "Memorial" and "Times" suggest, prints such as this one were meant to appeal to a sense of cultural nostalgia about the financial crisis of 1720. From the inscription below (see Cherub), we know that this particular print was run off while Carrington Bowles ran the business or between 1764-93.
The word "Medley" was often used in the eighteenth-century titles to denote a collection or "miscellany" of print items. Current usage is reserved for a succesion of musical items (i.e., a singing of various selections). Nevertheless, the key idea here is that of a "collective" work.
That "The Bubblers Medley" series was actually available in 1720 is likely since it is advertised in a bottom line to another Bubble print called, "The Bubbler's Kingdom, in the Aireal-World," which carries the inscription "Printed for, and Sold by Tho: Bowles Print and Map Seller next the Chapter House in St. Paul's Church Yard."
The practice of running off new print copies from slightly updated, old plates was widespread in the eighteenth-century. As long as there was continued demand for the print, this practice was a relatively easy way for a printer to increase his income without having to make a substantial investment of time and money.
For further information on London print-making and printers, see
Entry: David McNeil, August 1997
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