Abstention Collection

The Ladder of Fortune, to the American Dream, 1875 (colour litho)
PNP252343 The Ladder of Fortune, to the American Dream, 1875 (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Son and daughter of temperance: E. L. Snow, Social Union, 1850 (colour litho)
AQS331982 Son and daughter of temperance: E.L. Snow, Social Union, 1850 (colour litho) by Currier, Nathaniel (1813-88); American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA; eCourtesy

Comic postcard, Doctor and patient Date: 20th century

Music cover, A Thing He Had Never Done Before, written and composed by C W Murphy, sung by George Robey. 1911

Temperance (stained glass)
NCO366840 Temperance (stained glass) by Jervais, Thomas (d.1799); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College, Oxford; (add.info)

Theatre poster depicting Carry Nation (1846-1911) holding her destructive axe (litho)
PNP252351 Theatre poster depicting Carry Nation (1846-1911) holding her destructive axe (litho) by American School; Private Collection; (add.info)

Members of the National Christian Temperance Union singing hymns
PNP252344 Members of the National Christian Temperance Union singing hymns and praying for lost souls in a saloon, 1874 (engraving) by American School

The Fruits of Temperance, pub. by Currier & Ives, 1870 (colour litho)
AQS331965 The Fruits of Temperance, pub. by Currier & Ives, 1870 (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA; eCourtesy

The Tree of Temperance, pub. by Currier & Ives, 1872 (colour litho)
AQS331959 The Tree of Temperance, pub. by Currier & Ives, 1872 (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts

Do not laugh at that drunken Man (engraving)
3625210 Do not laugh at that drunken Man (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Do not laugh at that drunken Man. Illustration for Chatterbox (1879)

Rechabite: Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice, 1849 (colour litho)
AQS331981 Rechabite: Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice, 1849 (colour litho) by Currier, Nathaniel (1813-88); American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts

Carry Nation with her hatchet, c. 1905 (litho)
PNP252353 Carry Nation with her hatchet, c.1905 (litho) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Womans Holy War, Grand Charge on the Enemys Works, 1874 (litho)
PNP252342 Womans Holy War, Grand Charge on the Enemys Works, 1874 (litho) by American School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Temperance, dated 1517. Creator: Agostino Veneziano
Temperance, dated 1517

Aunt Evins on the Temperance Stump (engraving) (b / w photo)
XJF208328 Aunt Evins on the Temperance Stump (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

The Diamond Jubilee Thermometer of Life, printed by M. M. Whelan and Company, 1897
XJF208327 The Diamond Jubilee Thermometer of Life, printed by M. M. Whelan and Company, 1897 (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School

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"Abstention: A Journey from The Ladder of Fortune to the American Dream" In a world filled with temptation and excess, the concept has long been a guiding principle for those seeking a better life. From the vibrant lithographs depicting scenes like "The Ladder of Fortune" in 1875 or "Son and daughter of temperance" in 1850, we can see how individuals have strived to climb towards success by resisting vices. Even in more light-hearted representations such as the comic postcard featuring a doctor and patient from the 20th century, we are reminded that choosing abstinence can lead to healthier outcomes. Music covers like "A Thing He Had Never Done Before" highlight how breaking free from indulgence can open doors to new experiences. Throughout history, various movements have championed temperance as an essential virtue. Stained glass windows portraying Temperance serve as reminders that self-control is not only about avoiding alcohol but also encompasses moderation in all aspects of life. Theatre posters showcasing Carry Nation wielding her destructive axe demonstrate how some took drastic measures to combat alcohol abuse. From members of the National Christian Temperance Union singing hymns together to powerful images like "The Fruits of Temperance, " published by Currier & Ives in 1870, we witness communities united under the banner of sobriety. The Tree of Temperance depicted by Currier & Ives in 1872 symbolizes growth and prosperity rooted in restraint. Yet amidst these serious depictions, there is room for humor too. An engraving titled "Do not laugh at that drunken Man" reminds us not to mock those who struggle with addiction but instead offer support and understanding. In contrast, illustrations like "Rechabite: Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice" show strength emanating from embracing abstinence.