"John Bull (right), an obese 'cit', is addressed by a group of citizens, less obese, but much caricatured. Their spokesman says: "You must know, Mr Bull, we are a Society of Odd Fellows who had a lodge in Downing Street, and were robb'd of our Cash and accounts, notwithstanding we met at the Kings Head and so near the Treasury too! - is not it very hard - however we have left Downing Street intirely!" John, his hands under his coat-tails, answers: "All I have to say my good Friends is this - I am very sorry for you but I must own I am of opinion if some more Odd Fellows in Downing Street were to quit theire situations it would be very much to my advantage!" They stand in 'Bird Cage Walk', the name being on a piece of paper on the ground. Behind are railings in front of trees behind which are the towers of Westminster Abbey. On the right 'Downing Street' is indicated, abutting on the 'Treasury', on the extreme right, with a sentry before the building."--British Museum online catalogue, description of an earlier state.
Alternative Title:
Odd Fellows from Downing Street complaining to John Bull
Description:
Cf. Grego, J. Rowlandson the caricaturist, v. 2, page 88., Later state; imprint has been completely burnished from plate., Plate from: Woodward, G.M. Caricature magazine, or Hudibrastic mirror. London : Thomas Tegg, [1808?], v. 3., Plate numbered "168" in upper right corner., Publication information inferred from earlier state with the imprint "Pubd. June 4, 1808, by Thos. Tegg, N. 111 Cheapside." Cf. No. 10988 in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 8., and Title etched below image.
Subject (Name):
Auchincloss, Hugh Dudley--Ownership., Harvey, Francis--Ownership., Johnstone, Henry Arthur--Ownership., Tegg, Thomas, 1776-1845, publisher., and Woodward, G. M. (George Moutard), approximately 1760-1809, artist.
Subject (Topic):
John Bull (Symbolic character)--Caricatures and cartoons.