Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Politics > William Pitt the Younger
Going to Open the Budget, 1796. Creator: Unknown
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Going to Open the Budget, 1796. Creator: Unknown
Going to Open the Budget, 1796. British prime minister William Pitt, having descended from his coach, walks towards the door of the House of Commons, a small empty bag in his right hand. Documents inscribed Taxes protrude from his coat-pocket. Spectators cluster to see him pass. A stout constable with a long staff, (probably a Mr Townsend), motions them back, shouting, "make way there for the Minister - Take Care of your Pockets". He wears the red waistcoat of the Bow-street runner. A citizen puts his hands in his coat-pockets, pulling them together to protect them from Pitt at whom he stares fixedly, as a young man puts his hand on his shoulder and points at his pocket. A young woman looks contemptuously at Pitt, saying, "what a bit of a thing it is". Behind Pitt a footman folds up the steps of his carriage and is about to shut the door. A dog, his collar inscribed Paid for, sniffs at the man and cocks its leg
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36264999
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Budget Carriage Folding Footman Fores Samuel W Fores Samuel William Fores Sw Foress W Funny George Moutard Woodward Minister Pitt William The Younger Police Prime Minister S W Fores Samuel W Fores Samuel William Fores Shouting Step Steps Sw Fores Taxation W Pitt William Pitt William Pitt The Younger Woodward George Moutard
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> B
> George Back
> Arts
> Artists
> S
> William Small
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> George Moutard Woodward
> Arts
> Pop art
> Satire
> Satirical artwork
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> William Pitt the Younger
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> William Pitt
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Politics
Going to Open the Budget, 1796
EDITORS COMMENTS
is an intriguing and historic print that captures the political tension and public scrutiny surrounding the presentation of the British budget during the time of Prime Minister William Pitt. In the image, Pitt is depicted descending from his coach, carrying a small empty bag and with documents labeled "Taxes" visible in his coat pocket. The anticipation of the upcoming budget announcement is palpable as onlookers gather to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister, some reaching into their own pockets to protect themselves. A stout constable, identified as Mr. Townsend, stands in the crowd, waving his long staff to clear a path for Pitt. The constable's red waistcoat identifies him as a Bow-street runner, a forerunner of modern-day police. Pitt's passage through the crowd is met with a mix of reactions, from fearful protectiveness to contemptuous dismissal. A citizen, his hands in his coat pockets, stares fixedly at Pitt, while a young man points at his pocket. A young woman looks disdainfully at Pitt, commenting, "what a bit of a thing it is." Behind Pitt, a footman folds up the steps of his carriage and prepares to shut the door. Even a dog, wearing a collar inscribed "Paid for," joins in the scene, sniffing at one of the onlookers and cocking its leg. This image offers a glimpse into the political and social climate of the time, as well as the public's fascination with the budget-making process. Despite being anonymous, the print remains an invaluable historical record of the era, providing a fascinating insight into the people and events that shaped the political landscape of 18th-century Britain.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
