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A Mere Matter of Form by Heath Robinson, WW1 cartoon
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A Mere Matter of Form by Heath Robinson, WW1 cartoon
Distressing mistake of the cook recently released from a munition factory. A familys cook absent-mindedly shapes the pudding for that day into a shell, much to the shock and panic of her employers. Date: 1919
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Media ID 14227754
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Amusing Civilian Cook Dessert Dinner Frightened Habit Meal Mealtime Munition Munitions Pudding Puddings Servant Servants Shell Shells Shocked Silly Worker
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EDITORS COMMENTS
A Mere Matter of Form" is a satirical and humorous cartoon by Heath Robinson, published in 1919, depicting the distressing mistake of a cook recently returned from a munitions factory during the aftermath of World War I. The scene unfolds at a dining table, where the family is gathered in anticipation of their meal. The cook, still deeply immersed in her factory work, absent-mindedly shapes the pudding for that day into the form of a shell, complete with a fuse and explosive charge. The shocked and frightened expressions on the faces of the family members convey the sudden and unexpected chaos that has been introduced to their peaceful mealtime. Heath Robinson, a renowned British graphic artist, created this cartoon as a commentary on the impact of the war on civilian life. The blurring of lines between the production of food and munitions in wartime factories is a recurring theme in his work. The cook's habit of unconsciously shaping her pudding into a shell is a humorous yet poignant reminder of the ways in which the war had seeped into every aspect of daily life. The cartoon's title, "A Mere Matter of Form," underscores the absurdity of the situation, as the pudding shell appears harmless and inanimate until one looks more closely. The overall effect is a blend of humor and social commentary, offering a glimpse into the challenges and absurdities of life during and after the First World War. This print is an original, rights-managed image from Mary Evans Prints Online, and is not to be used for commercial purposes. It is a valuable historical document, providing insights into the cultural and social context of the time, and a testament to the enduring power of art to reflect and comment on the human experience.
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