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Unavoidably Delayed, 1880. Artist: Joseph Swain
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Unavoidably Delayed, 1880. Artist: Joseph Swain
Unavoidably Delayed, 1880. An exhausted Member of Parliament, wearing the suit usually depicted in Punch adorning the figure of the Liberal Prime Minister, Gladstone, and carrying a Gladstone bag, has arrived at his seaside lodgings only to find that there are no rooms left. This is because the first Session of the new parliament following the 1880 General Election did not finish for the Summer Recess until 7th September 1880. Like the ordinary trains, the parliamentary train was subject to unaccountable delays and stoppages. From Punch, or the London Charivari, September 18, 1880
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Media ID 14831685
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Apron Briefcase Delay Doorstep Exhausted Gladstone Heritage Image Partnership Holiday Holidays John Tenniel Joseph Swain Landlady Late Lodging House Member Of Parliament Railings Seaside Sir John Tenniel Swain Tenniel William Ewart William Ewart Gladstone
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Unavoidably Delayed, 1880 - A Glimpse into the Hectic Life of a Victorian Parliamentarian
EDITORS COMMENTS
. In this print by Joseph Swain, we are transported back to the bustling seaside town during the summer of 1880. The exhausted Member of Parliament (MP), adorned in his distinctive Punch suit and carrying a Gladstone bag, stands at the doorstep of a lodging house. His face reflects sheer disappointment as he discovers that all rooms have been taken. This scene perfectly captures the frustrations faced by politicians during that era. Following the General Election earlier that year, parliamentarians were eagerly looking forward to their well-deserved Summer Recess. However, just like ordinary trains, even parliamentary trains were plagued with unaccountable delays and stoppages. The image also highlights the stark contrast between political life and leisurely holidays enjoyed by others at seaside resorts. The landlady, dressed in her apron and hat, symbolizes those who benefit from catering to vacationers while inadvertently inconveniencing weary MPs. Swain's masterful engraving skillfully conveys not only physical exhaustion but also hints at mental fatigue experienced by these statesmen. Through this satirical cartoon published in Punch magazine on September 18th, 1880 – created collaboratively with renowned artist John Tenniel – viewers gain insight into an often-overlooked aspect of political life in late 19th-century Britain. As we admire this heritage image partnership between Swain and Tenniel capturing a fleeting moment from history, it serves as a reminder that even influential figures such as William Ewart Gladstone could be subject to unavoidable delays amidst their noble pursuits for progress within British politics.
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