The opponents of parliamentary reform, including Wellington and Peel, attempt to pull down a column topped by Lord John Russell, a portrait of William IV on the plinth. The "Explanation of the engraving": This spirited sketch was originally designed by George Cruikshank. Esq., of Pentouville, London. The column in the centre is dedicated to the "King and Constitution," on the base of which is a portrait of his present Majesty, William IV. On the top of the columnn [sic] stands Lord John Russell, holding in his hand the Mirror of Truth. On the left of the pillar the Duke of Wellington, Sir R. Peel, and others are attempting with cords, axes, &c. to overturn the column; while on on [sic] the right, Lord Chancellor Brougham and Earl Grey stand in a calm and dignfied position, smiling at the futile attempts of the Boroughmongers to overturn the People's Rights. On the same side Lord Althorp is seen bearing a banner, representing the future prosperity of England, and the Attorney General (Sir Thomas Denman) is supporting the Flag of Victory
Description:
Title from letterpress text above image., Designed by George Cruikshank according to the text below image., Date of publication from dealer's description., Printer's advertisement following imprint: ... where may be had, the Reformer's Attack on the Old Rotten Tree., Woodcut with letterpress text, including "Explanation of the engraving" below the image followed five columns with two verses: "William and reform!!!" and King William and Liberty for ever! by J.C. Walters"., Woodcut with letterpress text framed with printers devices and between columns of verse., and Mounted on blue paper.
Publisher:
Printed by R. Heppel, 113 Coleshill-Street, Birmingham ...
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain
Subject (Name):
Denman, Thomas Denman, Baron, 1779-1854, Grey, Charles, 2nd Earl, 1764-1845, Wellington, Arthur Wellesley, Duke of, 1769-1852, Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, Russell, John Russell, Earl, 1792-1878, William IV, King of Great Britain, 1765-1837, Spencer, John Charles Spencer, Earl, 1782-1845, and Great Britain. Parliament.
Subject (Topic):
Reform, Politics and government, Banners, Flags, and British
A series of crude (and in some cases explicitly racist) lithographed cards numbered 1-16, with scenes relating to political reform on both sides of the Atlantic. On British side, they cover the reforms to the franchise made by the 1832 Reform Act, poking fun at 'poor distress'd turn'd out Boroughmongers' (No. 1), the rural squirearchy (No. 7), Taxes (No. 9), the established Church (No. 10) and Irishmen (no. 12), among others. United States political issues are shown in the second card which reuses - with added racist slurs - the design of Edward Williams Clay (1799-1857) entitled 'Hurrah! hurrah for Genl. Jackson!!' under the caption 'Life in Philadelphia'. Cards nos. 4 and 7, with yet more overt racism, use references to American segregationism to caricature British political positions
Description:
Title from dealer's description., Approximate date of publication based on publisher's street address; the York stationer and lithographer William Fletcher Wodson (1801-1860) operated from his "2 Pavement" location only between 1830 and 1833. Additional evidence comes from references to the 1832 Reform Act and the presidency of Andrew Jackson., and For further information, consult library staff.
Publisher:
W.F. Wodson, lith., Pavement, York
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain and United States
Subject (Name):
Great Britain. Parliament
Subject (Topic):
Reform, Politics and government, Ethnic stereotypes, Poverty, and Racism