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Rest, and be Very Thankful, 1866. Artist: John Tenniel
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Rest, and be Very Thankful, 1866. Artist: John Tenniel
Rest, and be Very Thankful, 1866. An old and weary Lord Russell is being told by Britannia that he should now rest. This cartoon relates to the eight night debate on the second reading of the Franchise Bill. One Liberal MP, Robert Lowe, was very opposed to the reduction of the franchise, saying it would put too much power in the hands of the lower classes. Lowe worked very hard to rally a band of Liberals to oppose the governments proposal. Government majorities dwindled and, on this night in late April, the House returned from the Lobbies to find that the government had won the day by only five votes. From Punch, or the London Charivari, May 5, 1866
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Media ID 14830826
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1st Earl Russell Of Kingston Russell Aged Bookshelf Britannia Fireplace Heritage Image Partnership John Russell John Tenniel Lord John Lord John Russell Lord Russell Prime Minister Russell Sir John Tenniel Tenniel Tired Allegorical Figure Franchise Bill
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Rest, and be Very Thankful, 1866
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating print by John Tenniel that captures the essence of weariness and political tension during the 19th century. In this satirical cartoon, an old and weary Lord Russell is depicted being advised by Britannia to take a much-needed rest. The context behind this artwork lies in the eight-night debate on the second reading of the Franchise Bill. The Franchise Bill was met with opposition from Liberal MP Robert Lowe, who believed it would grant too much power to the lower classes. Lowe worked tirelessly to rally fellow Liberals against the government's proposal, causing their majorities to dwindle. On this particular night in late April, after returning from voting, members of Parliament discovered that the government had won by only five votes. Tenniel's artwork masterfully portrays both physical exhaustion and political fatigue through its monochrome depiction of Lord Russell slumped in a chair next to a fireplace surrounded by books. The image evokes a sense of history as it showcases key figures like Britannia and Lord Russell himself. This print serves as a reminder of how politics can drain even those who have dedicated their lives to public service. It also highlights the importance of rest and reflection amidst heated debates and contentious legislation. "Rest, and be Very Thankful" invites viewers to contemplate not only historical events but also our own roles within society's ever-changing landscape.
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