Arming John Bull to fight the buggoboos!!!

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John Bull, a much overburdened soldier, looks up in angry dismay at a helmet inscribed ‘Glory’ which Pitt (left) is about to place on his head. He says, “O D—-n the Glory I shall never be able to bear it all!” Pitt stands in profile to the right; the large plumed helmet which he holds up in both hands is irradiated. From his pocket hangs a long paper headed ‘List of Ships £5000000’. John Bull, short and stout, stands full face wearing a gorget, with two pistols in his belt, a long sabre suspended horizontally from his waist, its blade inscribed ‘Twenty more Kill em!’ He holds a blunderbuss in his right hand, which fires ‘Pop Pop’ into the air; a large pike in his left hand, a broadsword held in his left arm; a musket and a huge knapsack are slung on his back. In the foreground are ordnance stores: a barrel (left) inscribed ‘Right Richmond double Proof’ with cannon-balls, and (right) a cannon, cannon-balls, drum, and flag. In the background a fleet of ships sails from the shore on which stands a cheering crowd.”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • CreatorCollings, Samuel, attributed name.
  • TitleArming John Bull to fight the buggoboos!!! [graphic].
  • Publication[London] : Pub. by S.W. Fores, No. 3 Piccadilly, Aug. 6, 1790.

Catalog Record & Digital Collection

790.08.06.01+

Acquired May 2016

English barracks

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A view of the interior of a busy English barracks shows a more domestic than military atmosphere although weapons and other gear adorn the walls and lay scattered on the floor. The scene includes a woman nursing a baby (left); beside her, one soldier brushes his britches while another adjusts his helmet.

Companion print: French barracks

  • Artist: Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827
  • Title: English barracks [graphic] / drawn & etch’d by T. Rowlandson ; aquatinta by T. Malton.
  • Published: [London] : Pub. Aug. 12, 1791, by S.W. Fores, N. 3 Piccadilly, [12 August 1791]

Catalog record & Digital collection

791.08.12.02++

Acquired November 2012

French barracks


Click for larger image

A view of the interior of a busy French barracks shows a more domestic than military atmosphere although weapons and other gear adorn the walls and lay scattered on the floor. The scene includes a woman nursing a baby, children playing, woman doing washing.

Based on a watercolor by Rowlandson, in The Lewis Walpole Library, Yale University. (Drawings R79 no.13 Box D200)

  • Artist: Rowlandson, Thomas  1756-1827
  • Title: French barracks [graphic] / drawn & etchd by T. Rowlandson ; aquatinta by T. Malton.
  • Published: [London] : Publish’d Aug. 12, 1791, by S.W. Fores, N. 3 Piccadilly, [12 August 1791]

Catalog record & Digital collection

791.08.12.01++

Acquired November 2012