print;
satirical print
- Museum number
- 1868,0808.9434
- Title
- Object: John Bull & Co in the pith of reform.
- Description
-
A scene in the Lords. Brougham, in his Chancellor's wig and gown, but stout instead of lean, holds three angry bull-dogs by chains attached to collars inscribed respectively 'John Bull', 'Andrew', 'Patrick'. The dogs strain after a throng of bishops who escape in all directions, some up a flight of steps. They are burlesqued, and have lawn sleeves, some wearing mitres. One has fallen prone and lost his wig. Inscriptions are in the lower margin: Brougham: 'You had better be mild with them, they may be too strong even for me to hold'. The bishops: 'Great Man, a second Sampson, O! O! O! I expected how it would be—O! the wonderful Man, what power—O! he is a strong Man—Gag them but keep their limbs sound—Recollect their constitution is to be preserved—Do not hurt their constitutions, we have more work for them to do yet—O! yes we will work them in the Truck way—Hold them tight Dear Mr Keeper.—Put muzzles on them—Knock their teeth out—I think we had better have them blinded—Good Master Keeper, I am afraid the Chains are Birmingham ware'. June 1832?
Hand-coloured lithograph
- Production date
- 1832
- Dimensions
-
Height: 321 millimetres
-
Width: 379 millimetres
- Curator's comments
- (Description and comment from M. Dorothy George, 'Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the British Museum', XI, 1954)
Many believed that the Reform Bill must be fatal to the Established Church and the House of Lords, and especially to the hated bishops, see No. 16805, &c. The plate may be later than 1832.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1868
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1868,0808.9434
