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The Historical Touch
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The Historical Touch
The Historical Touch. Well, Alfred, ow are the cakes? Date: circa 1917
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14144380
© David Cohen Fine Art/Mary Evans Picture Library
Bairnsfather Bruce Cakes Touch
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Historical Touch: A Humorous Take on the Trenches of World War I by Bruce Bairnsfather Circa 1917, during the tumultuous and devastating period of the First World War, a moment of levity emerged in the form of a cartoon by British satirical artist Bruce Bairnsfather. Entitled "Well, Alfred, ow are the cakes?", this charming and witty illustration, published in the popular weekly magazine "The Bystander," offered a brief respite from the harsh realities of the war. In the image, we see a weary British officer, Captain Alfred, seated at a makeshift table in the trenches, surrounded by the paraphernalia of war. He is engaged in a conversation with a soldier named Alfred, who is off-frame, presumably bringing him a much-needed treat. The captain, with a quizzical expression, asks, "Ow are the cakes?" - a colloquialism for "How are the cakes going?" or "How are things?" Bairnsfather's masterful use of humor and satire in this cartoon not only provided a much-needed morale boost for soldiers on the frontlines but also served as a poignant reminder of the human spirit's ability to find joy and connection amidst the chaos of war. The Historical Touch, as this illustration came to be known, became a beloved symbol of the war experience and a testament to the enduring power of humor to heal and unite. This print, with its rich historical significance, offers a unique glimpse into the past and serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and fortitude of the human spirit.
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