Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Politics > Benjamin Disraeli
How Dirty Old Father Thames was Whitewashed, 1858
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
How Dirty Old Father Thames was Whitewashed, 1858
How Dirty Old Father Thames was Whitewashed, 1858. A British workman in overalls and boots holds a large brush in one hand, and a handkerchief to his nose with the other. He has a bucket of lime at his feet which he is using to clean Father Thames who, with an old, weedy, kettle impaled on his staff, rests on an outlet pipe which gushes its untreated sewage into the river. This cartoon relates to Disraelis Bill to purify the Thames, in which he proposed levying a tax of up to 3d in the pound for forty years to fund the renewal of the Capitals drainage system and to provide a sinking fund to cover the debts that would be incurred. Mr Punch, however, preferred a rather more blunt approach, suggesting that the Thames was so contaminated that any fund ought to be called a Stinking Fund. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 31, 1858
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14830460
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Beaconsfield Benjamin Benjamin Disraeli Boot Boots Brush Bucket Chemical Disraeli Dizzy Earl Of Beaconsfield Father Thames Heritage Image Partnership Kettle Lime Lord Lord Beaconsfield Mr Punch Overalls Punch Punchinello Sanitation Thames Viscount Hughendon Of Hughendon Workman Workmen Allegorical Figure Footwear
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> P
> D.J. Pound
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> Benjamin Disraeli
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> River Thames
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the satirical cartoon titled "How Dirty Old Father Thames was Whitewashed, 1858". In this British work of art, a rugged workman clad in overalls and boots stands beside the polluted River Thames. With one hand holding a large brush and the other clutching a handkerchief to his nose, he is determined to clean up the contaminated river. A bucket of lime sits at his feet, symbolizing his efforts to purify Father Thames. The cartoon is a commentary on Disraeli's Bill aimed at cleansing the river by imposing taxes for forty years. However, Mr Punch, depicted here as an allegorical figure representing public opinion, suggests that such funds should be called a "Stinking Fund" due to the severe pollution plaguing the waterway. This engraving from Punch magazine reflects both political satire and social criticism prevalent during 19th-century Britain. It highlights not only concerns about public health but also addresses issues surrounding sanitation and drainage systems in London. The image serves as a reminder of how environmental challenges have long been intertwined with politics and society's well-being. It showcases Benjamin Disraeli's role in proposing measures for improving public health while simultaneously presenting alternative viewpoints through humor. Overall, this print offers us insight into historical events while reminding us of our ongoing responsibility towards preserving our natural resources for future generations.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
