Speakers Chair Collection

William Pitt, the Younger, Addressing the Commons, 1793, (1947). Creator: Anton Hickel
William Pitt, the Younger, Addressing the Commons, 1793, (1947). Session of parliament in the Palace of Westminster, London. Prime Minister William Pitt is on his feet

The Womens Franchise Bill, Mr Gladstone listening to the Numbers of the Division List from behind the Speakers Chair
1039688 The Womens Franchise Bill, Mr Gladstone listening to the Numbers of the Division List from behind the Speakers Chair, Wednesday, 27 April 1892 (engraving) by Hall

The Speakers Chair, for the New House of Commons (engraving)
1618547 The Speakers Chair, for the New House of Commons (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Speakers Chair, for the New House of Commons)

The New Speaker, (ie the Law-Chick) between Hawks and Buzzards, pub
2966829 The New Speaker, (ie the Law-Chick) between Hawks and Buzzards, pub. 1800 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info)

The New Speaker (i. e. the Law-Chick) between the Hawks & the Buzzards
NCO193183 The New Speaker (i.e. the Law-Chick) between the Hawks & the Buzzards, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1800 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray

The Womens Franchise Bill, Mr Gladstone listening to the Numbers of the Division List from behind the Speakers Chair
1056171 The Womens Franchise Bill, Mr Gladstone listening to the Numbers of the Division List from behind the Speakers Chair (engraving) by Hall

Charles I taking the Speakers Chair (engraving)
663351 Charles I taking the Speakers Chair (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Charles I taking the Speakers Chair)

Stealing Off, or Prudent Secesion, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1798
NCO189777 Stealing Off, or Prudent Secesion, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1798 (hand-coloured etching with aquatint) by Gillray

Stealing off; - or - prudent Secession, pub. 1798 (hand coloured engraving)
2490625 Stealing off; - or - prudent Secession, pub. 1798 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright

Scene in the House of Commons: the Speaker coerced, illustration from Cassell
STC385331 Scene in the House of Commons: the Speaker coerced, illustration from Cassells Illustrated History of England (engraving) (sepia photo) by English School

Sketch of the Interior of St Stephens, as it now Stands, pub
2966831 Sketch of the Interior of St Stephens, as it now Stands, pub. 1802 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info)

The House of Commons: Swearing-In of the Members in 1857 (engraving) (b&w photo)
XJF107815 The House of Commons: Swearing-In of the Members in 1857 (engraving) (b&w photo) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Anticipation, or The Approaching Fate of the French Commercial Treaty, published by W
NCO189790 Anticipation, or The Approaching Fate of the French Commercial Treaty, published by W. Holland in 1786 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray

Sketches in the House of Commons at the Election of a New Speaker (engraving)
1622438 Sketches in the House of Commons at the Election of a New Speaker (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Interior of the House of Commons, June 1897 (w / c on paper)
BBC197638 Interior of the House of Commons, June 1897 (w/c on paper) by Lee, Frederick Walter (fl.1894-1938); Palace of Westminster, London, UK; English, out of copyright

The House of Commons in the Eighteenth Century, 1730, (1947). Creator: Unknown
The House of Commons in the Eighteenth Century, 1730, (1947). Session of parliament in the Palace of Westminster, London. The Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, is on the left

Scene inside the House of Commons, Westminster, London, 1795. Artist: James Gillray
Scene inside the House of Commons, Westminster, London, 1795. Patriotic regeneration, - viz - Parliament reform d, a la francoise, - that is - honest men (ie Opposition) in the seat of justice

The contractor and the contracted, or 195 more than 186, 1810. Sir William Curtis and Spencer Perceval facing each other in front of the Speakers chair

The giant-factotum amusing himself - William Pitt, 1797. Artist: James Gillray
The giant-factotum amusing himself, 1797; showing William Pitt bestriding the Speakers chair in the House of Commons, towering high above the galleries, playing cup and ball with the globe

Interior of the House of Commons, Westminster, looking towards the Speakers Chair, 1909. From Harmsworth History of the World, Volume 7, by Arthur Mee, J.A. Hammerton, & A.D. Innes, M.A

Scene in the House of Commons: the Speaker coerced, 1629 (1905). Members holding down the Speaker, Sir John Finch, in his chair while resolutions against King Charles I are read out

William Court Gully, Speaker of the House of Commons, c1905. Gully (1835-1909) served as Speaker from 1895-1905. Print published in Parliament Past and Present by Arnold Wright and Philip Smith

The House of Commons in Sir Robert Walpoles administration
The House of Commons in Sir Robert Walpoles Administration. The Right Honorable Arthur Onslow in the Speakers chair, Sir Robert Walpole at his right hand

Source Size = 3874 x 2955
The Speakers Chair, for the New House of Commons, 1852

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"The Speakers Chair: A Symbol of Power, Influence, and Democracy Through the Ages" The iconic Speakers Chair has witnessed countless historic moments within the hallowed halls of the House of Commons. One such moment occurred in 1793 when William Pitt, the Younger, eloquently addressed his fellow members during a crucial debate on national affairs. Anton Hickel's masterful creation immortalizes this significant event for generations to come. Fast forward nearly a century later to April 27th, 1892 - another pivotal day in parliamentary history. The Women's Franchise Bill took center stage as Mr. Gladstone attentively listened behind the Speakers Chair, anxiously awaiting the numbers from the Division List that would determine its fate. This engraving captures both anticipation and hope for progress towards gender equality. As time progressed and new chambers were built, engravings showcased grand designs for a New House of Commons with an updated Speakers Chair at its heart. These depictions symbolize continuity and reverence for tradition while embracing modernity. Intriguingly named "The New Speaker, " or affectionately referred to as "the Law-Chick, " this figure finds themselves caught between opposing forces represented by Hawks and Buzzards. Perhaps it serves as a metaphorical representation of navigating political challenges while upholding justice and fairness. Beyond politics lies education; Pietro da Unzola lecturing from legal texts to eager pupils during a law lecture at University reminds us that knowledge is power even within these walls where decisions shaping nations are made. Returning once more to women's suffrage struggles depicted through artistry - Hannah Humphrey's publication in 1798 titled "Stealing Off" or "Prudent Secession" illustrates brave individuals who dared challenge societal norms by advocating for their rights outside conventional channels. A glimpse into daily proceedings reveals scenes where coercion loomed over even those occupying esteemed positions like the Speaker himself - an illustration from Cassell’s publication captures the vulnerability and pressures faced within these walls.