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Can t Get Away!, 1884. Artist: Joseph Swain
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Can t Get Away!, 1884. Artist: Joseph Swain
Can t Get Away!, 1884. Mr Punch holds a handkerchief to his nose as Father Thames tells him his worries. Despite sporadic efforts to cleanse the capitals river, it was still in a terrible condition and this is reflected in the appearance of Father Thames, burdened as he is with broken baskets and the occasional old boot. At the back of the cartoon, a sewage pipe allows the contamination to continue
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Media ID 14831877
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Contaminated Contamination Dirty Father Thames Heritage Image Partnership John Tenniel Joseph Swain Mr Punch Polluted Pollution Punch Punchinello Sewage Sir John Tenniel Swain Tenniel Thames Allegorical Figure
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The print titled "Can't Get Away!, 1884" by Joseph Swain captures the dire state of the River Thames in London during the 19th century. In this satirical cartoon, Mr Punch, a popular character from Punch magazine, holds a handkerchief to his nose as he converses with Father Thames, an allegorical figure representing the river itself. Father Thames appears burdened and worn out, carrying broken baskets and even an old boot. This reflects the sorry condition of the river which was heavily polluted despite sporadic efforts to clean it up. The contamination is symbolized by a sewage pipe at the back of the cartoon that continues to release waste into the already dirty waters. Joseph Swain's engraving skillfully portrays this environmental issue through caricature and satire. The monochrome imagery adds to its impact, emphasizing both pollution and decay. This print serves as a reminder of London's troubled past when its iconic river suffered greatly due to human activities. It highlights not only the physical degradation but also raises questions about society's responsibility towards nature. "Can't Get Away!, 1884" is part of Heritage Images' collection featuring historical prints that provide valuable insights into our heritage and geographical features. Created by renowned artists John Tenniel and Joseph Swain, this artwork showcases their talent for capturing social commentary through visual storytelling without mentioning any commercial use or affiliation with any specific company.
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