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Two Drops of Comfort, 1871. Artist: Joseph Swain
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Two Drops of Comfort, 1871. Artist: Joseph Swain
Two Drops of Comfort, 1871. A publican holds up a notice detailing the latest proposed government measures whilst one of his regulars keeps a firm grip on his beer with one hand, whilst he daintily grips his chaser with the other. The cabbys long whip rests in the crook of his arm. At this time Henry Austin Bruce was Home Secretary and this cartoon relates to his new Licensing Bill. This proposed that people should have access to a selection of respectable public houses. It also proposed that local magistrates should assume licensing responsibility as well as determining the numbers of public houses in their areas. Regulations of opening hours for both rural and urban areas were included in the Bill. This Bill met with considerable opposition from an increasingly powerful temperance movement, as well as from drinkers and breweries. From Punch, or the London Charivari, April 15, 1871
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Media ID 14831500
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Alcohol Beer Bruce Cab Driver Cabbie Henry Austin Heritage Image Partnership Horse Whip John Tenniel Joseph Swain Public House Publican Sir John Tenniel Swain Tavern Taxi Driver Tenniel Chaser Lord Aberdare
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Two Drops of Comfort, 1871
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating print that captures the essence of 19th-century British society and its relationship with alcohol. In this satirical cartoon by Joseph Swain, we are transported to a bustling pub where a publican proudly displays a notice outlining the latest government measures. Meanwhile, one of his regular patrons clings tightly to his beer while delicately holding onto his chaser. The scene also features a cab driver, whose long whip rests in the crook of his arm, adding an element of movement and action to the composition. This artwork directly relates to Henry Austin Bruce's Licensing Bill, which aimed to regulate access to respectable public houses and give local magistrates more control over licensing responsibilities. However, as depicted in this caricature from Punch magazine, the proposed bill faced significant opposition from both temperance advocates and those who enjoyed their drinks. Breweries were also against these regulations. The image serves as social commentary on the ongoing struggle between those advocating for stricter alcohol laws and those defending their right to enjoy libations freely. With its monochrome black-and-white aesthetic and intricate engravings, "Two Drops of Comfort" offers us a glimpse into Victorian-era Britain's drinking culture and political landscape. It stands as an important historical artifact that reflects societal attitudes towards alcohol consumption during this transformative period in history.
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