Grumbling Collection

The Grumbler (engraving)
2780976 The Grumbler (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Grumbler. Illustration for Chatterbox (1889).); © Look and Learn

Free sitters grumble most at the play, 1931 (colour litho) (see also 498206)
498207 Free sitters grumble most at the play, 1931 (colour litho) (see also 498206) by Bull, Rene(1872-1942); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Review in 1810, c. 1875-1900 (oil on canvas)
6333770 The Review in 1810, c.1875-1900 (oil on canvas) by Detaille, Jean-Baptiste Edouard (1848-1912); Musee des Armees, Hotel des Invalides, Paris, France; (add.info.: The Review in 1810)

The Factionary, c. 1900 (oil on wood)
6333760 The Factionary, c.1900 (oil on wood) by Detaille, Jean-Baptiste Edouard (1848-1912); Musee des Armees, Hotel des Invalides, Paris, France; Photo eSylvain Collet; French, out of copyright

Theatre, late 16th / early 17th century. Artist: Jacques Bellange
Theatre, Bellange, Private Collection

A Wetter Ole by Bruce Bairnsfather
" Well, we knows of a better olevitch, and we re blinkin well goin to it!" Old Bill and his comrade find themselves in a similar ole to the one they originally made famous in Captain Bruce

Nobbled, by Bairnsfather
Nobbled " Ow long are you up for, Bill?" " Seven years" " Yer lucky-, I m duration" Two British soldiers, Old Bill and Bert

No Grumbling

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

Art through the ages captures the timeless tradition of 'Grumbling' in the theatre. From the free sitters' discontent in engravings like 'The Grumbler' (1931) and 'Free sitters grumble most at the play' (1931), to the satirical cartoons of Bruce Bairnsfather's 'A Wetter Ole' and 'Nobbled', the human spirit of complaining and dissatisfaction during a performance is a universal experience. Even as early as the late 16th/early 17th century, Jacques Bellange's 'Theatre' painting depicted the restless and disgruntled audience. Yet, despite the grumbling, the allure of the theatre endures, offering an escape from reality and a shared communal experience.