Cartoon, Our Society Portraiture, Mrs Grundy

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Cartoon, Our Society Portraiture, Mrs Grundy

Cartoon, Our Society Portraiture, Mrs Grundy. Showing just the face, hat and folded hands of a docile-looking Mrs Grundy, the proverbial Mary Whitehouse figure of the early 20th century! She seems to have been absent from the world of entertainment in the recent London Season, and her permanent retirement is hoped for. Date: 1914

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Media ID 14127798

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Absent Censorship Docile Elderly Folded Grundy Hands Moral Morality Morals Portraiture Proverbial Prude Prudish Quiet Retirement Satire Satirical Season Prudery Whitehouse

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Art > Entertainment

> Humour > Cartoon

EDITORS COMMENTS
Mrs Grundy's Absence: A Breath of Fresh Air for London's Entertainment Scene in 1914 This satirical cartoon, titled "Our Society Portraiture, Mrs Grundy," presents the stern, unsmiling visage of the proverbial moral arbiter of early 20th century British society. Mrs Grundy, depicted here with her characteristic hat perched atop her grey hair, folded hands, and a serious expression, has long been synonymous with prudishness and censorship. The cartoonist's brush captures the essence of Mrs Grundy's influence over the entertainment world, which had been particularly felt during London's social season. Her presence had been a constant source of frustration for artists, writers, and performers who sought to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. However, by 1914, there were signs that Mrs Grundy's influence was waning. The cartoonist's caption suggests that her absence from the entertainment scene was a welcome development, and that her permanent retirement was eagerly anticipated. This image serves as a fascinating glimpse into the history of British society and its evolving attitudes towards morality and censorship. Mrs Grundy's legacy as a symbol of prudishness and moral guardianship continues to resonate, even as the world around her has changed dramatically. The cartoon's use of humour and satire underscores the complex relationship between art, society, and morality, and invites us to reflect on the role of censorship in shaping cultural expression. With her docile expression and folded hands, Mrs Grundy's visage remains a powerful reminder of a bygone era, and a testament to the enduring power of art to challenge and provoke.

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