Mrs. Clarke’s patent extinguisher

description below

“Mrs. Clarke sits on Wardle’s right shoulder, to place over the head of the Duke of York a giant extinguisher which covers all but his legs and (military) coat-tails. At the apex of the extinguisher is a five-pointed star surrounded by the letters ‘T’ ‘R’ ‘U’ ‘T’ ‘H’. She says: “Beneath this Canopy’s oblivious shade Detected Y——hides his diminished head” On the cone are the inscriptions: ‘Multum in Papvo’ [sic] and: ‘Now Phoenix like, with renovated fire To noble deeds our Army shall aspire Whilst haughty Gaul shall emulate its praise And England round a Woman’s brow entwine the Bays.’ Wardle wears regimentals and sword and is tall and handsome; a letter ‘To Col Wardle’ projects from a pocket.”–British Museum online catalogue.

Catalog Record

809.03.00.09+

Acquired April 2023

The extinguisher, or, Putting out the great law-luminary

description below

“Eldon’s head rests on a candle-end which is in an elaborate candle-stick of gold plate, standing on the ground. Wellington (left), in uniform, reaches up to cover it with a huge extinguisher inscribed ‘Catholic Bill Majority 168’; he says: ‘Thus I obscure you, ne’er to shine again.’ Eldon looks to the left, registering intensive melancholy; rays from his head, obstructed on the left by the extinguisher, strike against the profile of George IV, whose head, shoulder, and paunch project from the right margin, leaning towards the candle. The King says ‘Poor Old Bags!’ (Cf. British Museum Satires No. 12883.)”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Printmaker: Jones, Thomas Howell, active 1823-1848, printmaker.
  • Title: The extinguisher, or, Putting out the great law-luminary [graphic] / T.J. fect.
  • Publication: London : Pubd. 1829 by S.W. Fores, 41 Picadilly [sic], [April? 1829]

Catalog Record

829.04.00.18+

Acquired January 2022

The true effigies of a city sword bearer

The true effigies of a city sword bearer. Detailed description below.

Satirical portrait of William Pickett, Lord Mayor of London for 1789; three-quarter length, seated; wearing the ceremonial gown and with a City of London sword hanging in the background; within a border composed of plates, cups, saucers, mugs, kettles, and a chamber pot, with two bears in the corners; a fire extinguisher and a string of “India crackers” hang below the border.

  • Title: The true effigies of a city sword bearer [graphic] / W. fecit.
  • Publication: [London] : Publishd. according to act of Parliament, June 1st, 1789, by E. Harding, [1 June 1789]

Catalog Record 

789.06.01.02

Acquired November 2018