"John Bull, a plebeian, stout and dishevelled, lies on his back on a tangle of large roses with vicious thorns. These are on a heap of stones and under the stump of a decayed oak tree (left). He exclaims: "Oh Lord! Oh Lord! if this be the Bed of Roses they make such a noise about I'd sooner lye with the Old Sow and her Farrow in the Dog Days! - My Dame will roar woundidly when she comes to bed! Ecod it's as bad as lying on a Harrow upside down." The stones (left to right) are 'Expedition to Holland' [1799, see British Museum Satires No. 9412, &c], 'Expedition to Ferrol', 'Jobs and Contracts', 'Pension List', 'Indemnity for the past & Security for the Future', 'No Peace possible with the child and Champion of Jacobinism', 'Places', 'Subsidies'. The roses are: 'Candle Tax', 'Hair Powder Tax', 'Hat Tax', 'Paper Tax', 'Snuff Tax', 'Game Tax', 'Wine Tax', 'Property Tax', 'Salt Tax', 'Land Tax', 'Stamp Tax', 'Assessed Taxes', 'Income Tax', 'Table Beer Tax', 'House Tax', 'Window Tax', 'Excise Duty', 'Horse Tax', 'Tobacco Tax', 'Soap Tax', 'Servant Tax', 'Malt Tax', 'Hop Tax', 'Sugar Tax', 'Legacy Tax', 'Tea Tax', 'Cyder Tax'. On the two extremities of the 'bed' are clusters of thorny buds; these are inscribed '1807', '1808', and [once] '1809', those on the left being labelled 'National Debt'. In the distance St. Paul's is indicated. Bushes on the right are wind-swept."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
John Bull on a bed of roses
Description:
Title etched below image., Attributed to Charles Williams in the British Museum catalogue., Sheet trimmed to plate mark leaving thread margins., and Watermark: 181[0?].
Publisher:
Pubd. July 1806 by Wm. Holland, Cockspur Street
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain
Subject (Topic):
Taxation, John Bull (Symbolic character), Roses, Thorns, and Taxes
"Five elderly women of fashion attend an altar of Love in a temple whose walls are wreathed with roses. The fat Mrs. Hobart, in profile to the right, pours incense on the flames of the altar; in her right hand is an open book, 'Ninon'. Behind her (left) Lady Archer, with the nose of a bird of prey, leads a lamb garlanded with roses; she guides the animal with a riding-whip. Miss Jefferies walks beside Lady Archer holding a basket of flowers. On the extreme left Lady Mount-Edgcumb, aged and bent, holds a dove in each hand. On the right of the altar Lady Cecilia Johnstone plays a lyre. The altar is decorated with rams' heads, a heart, arrows, and roses. A sculptured group of the three Graces stands in an alcove in the wall above the altar. In the background (left) is a mountain peak, Parnassus, on which sits a tiny figure of Apollo, playing a fiddle, the sun irradiating his head."--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title etched below image., Printmaker from British Museum catalogue., Three lines of quoted text following title: "Here, Love his golden shafts employs; here lights "his constant lamp; and waves his purple wings; "reigns here and revels." Milton., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., Temporary local subject terms: Music -- Literary quotation: Milton -- Mythology: Parnassus -- Three graces -- Elizabeth Jeffries., Watermark: J. Whatman., and The ladies are identified in ink on the back of the print: Ldy. Cecilia Johnson, Mrs. Hobart, Ldy. Archer, Ldy. Edgcumbe.
Publisher:
Pubd. May 12th, 1787, by H. Humphrey, New Bond Street
Subject (Name):
Buckinghamshire, Albinia Hobart, Countess of, 1738-1816, Archer, Sarah West, Lady, 1741-1801, Mount Edgcumbe, Emma Gilbert, Lady, 1729-1807, and Johnston, Henrietta Cecilia, Lady, 1727-1817
Subject (Topic):
Graces, The, Apollo, Altars, Interiors, Temples, Books, Roses, and Lyres
"Lord Thomas leaning forward in a chair to left, one hand on his sword, handing a rose with the other to Annette, who sits opposite, petting a dog, while the nut-brown maid, new married to Lord Thomas, runs forward with a dagger to stab her rival in jealousy."--British Museum online catalogue, description of an earlier version of the same design
Description:
Title engraved below image., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., Plate from: Angelica's ladies library; or, Parents and guardians present. London : Printed for J. Hamilton and Co.; and Mrs. Harlow, 1794., Illustration to the folk ballad 'Lord Thomas and fair Annett'., and Mounted on page 105 of: Bunbury album.
Publisher:
Publish'd Jany. 23, 1794, by W. Dickinson, No. 24 Old Bond Street
Volume 2, page 20. Etchings by Henry William Bunbury, Esq. and after his designs. Page 9. Bunbury
Image Count:
1
Resource Type:
still image
Abstract:
"Lord Thomas leaning forward in a chair to left, one hand on his sword, handing a rose with the other to Annette, who sits opposite, petting a dog, while the nut-brown maid, new married to Lord Thomas, runs forward with a dagger to stab her rival in jealousy; in a roundel; after Bunbury."--British Museum online catalogue, description of an earlier state
Description:
Title engraved below image., State from: Baudi di Vesme, A. Francesco Bartolozzi., Sheet trimmed to plate mark., Two lines of verse below title: He had a rose into his hand, he gae it kisses three, and reaching by the nut-browne bride, laid it on fair Annett's knee., Illustration to the folk ballad 'Lord Thomas and fair Annett'., Mounted on page 9 of: Bunbury album., and 1 print : stipple engraving and etching on laid paper ; circular image 30.3 cm, on sheet 40.2 x 35.0 cm.
Publisher:
Published Novr. 22d, 1784, by W. Dickinson, engraver & printseller, No. 158 New Bond Street
Volume 2, page 20. Etchings by Henry William Bunbury, Esq. and after his designs. Page 9. Bunbury
Image Count:
1
Resource Type:
still image
Abstract:
"Lord Thomas leaning forward in a chair to left, one hand on his sword, handing a rose with the other to Annette, who sits opposite, petting a dog, while the nut-brown maid, new married to Lord Thomas, runs forward with a dagger to stab her rival in jealousy; in a roundel; after Bunbury."--British Museum online catalogue, description of an earlier state
Description:
Title engraved below image., State from: Baudi di Vesme, A. Francesco Bartolozzi., Sheet trimmed to plate mark., Two lines of verse below title: He had a rose into his hand, he gae it kisses three, and reaching by the nut-browne bride, laid it on fair Annett's knee., Illustration to the folk ballad 'Lord Thomas and fair Annett'., and Mounted on page 20 in volume 2 of: Etchings by Henry William Bunbury, Esq. and after his designs.
Publisher:
Published Novr. 22d, 1784, by W. Dickinson, engraver & printseller, No. 158 New Bond Street
Caricature of George IV in the Brighton Pavilion, sitting on a sofa next to Marchioness Conyngham and groping her; he has an amourous look on his face, while she looks unamused. A portrait of Queen Caroline hangs on the wall behind them, her face obscured by a purse(?) hanging from above the picture frame. An older woman (Lady Warwick?) stands on the right by an open door, glancing over sideways at the scene and saying "I shall retire: is Warwick come to this? Oh this Cunning-- poor Hertford, ho[w] I pity her well may she exclaim false Lothario." Roses are seen through the doorway on the right; a round table with decanters of 'Brandy' is seen on the left, in front of a large window with curtains
Alternative Title:
Peep into the Chinese temple
Description:
Title etched below image., Sheet trimmed within plate mark on three sides., Not in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum., Mounted to 58 x 39 cm., Mounted (with one other item) on leaf 12 in volume 1 of the W.E. Gladstone collection of caricatures and broadsides surrounding the "Queen Caroline Affair.", and The figures of "Marchioness Cunningham" and "Lady Warwick" are identified in brown ink in lower margin. Date "May 1820" written in lower right, in black ink.
Publisher:
Pubd. May 1820 by S.W. Fores, Piccadilly corner of Sackville St.
Subject (Name):
George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830, Conyngham, Elizabeth Conyngham, Marchioness, -1861, Caroline, Queen, consort of George IV, King of Great Britain, 1768-1821., and Royal Pavilion (Brighton, England)
"A low platform covered with roses extends almost across the design; from this bed new Ministers advancing from the left are ejecting the old. Roses are scattered on the floor. The central figure is the tall and handsome Castlereagh, author of the phrase, see British Museum satires No. 10558, &c. With a taut two-stringed bow in his left hand, a quiver on his shoulders, he strides across Grenville who is on his back on the bed, and takes 'Candle End[s] & Cheese Paring[s]' from a bag with which Windham tries to make off (see British Museum Satires No. 9735). He says: "I'd have you to know I've two strings to my Bow!! Down, Down, Down, Derry Down!!" [See British Museum satires No. 10426.] Behind him, Portland threatens Grenville (in his peer's robe) with a big block of 'Portland Stone' [see British Museum Satires No. 10718, &c.]. In front of Windham Rose steps forward from the bed to grasp a large rose on the floor: 'Treasurership of the Navy.' This Sheridan, in his Harlequin's suit (see British Museum Satires No. 9916), is crawling towards, saying, "Just got into my first Nap - how - Unfortunate - come Sir fat touch that however." Rose holds up a pair of bellows inscribed 'Sing old Rose & burn the Bellows'. Eldon, in Chancellor's wig and gown, strides from the bed on to the prostrate Erskine, seizing the Purse of the Great Seal, whose cord is still round the latter's arm. He raises the mace to strike the ex-Chancellor, whose wig has fallen off. Erskine says: "Be quiet I'll retire"; he holds a money-bag inscribed '4,000 Pr Anm' [see British Museum Satires No. 10714]. Lauderdale, wearing a plaid, is behind him on the ground. On the extreme left Canning, standing on the bed, holds up a massive club inscribed 'Bon Mots & Repartee by G C--g'; he stoops over Howick pointing at the 'Catholic Bill', which the latter holds. Howick steps from the bed, angrily looking up at Canning (his especial enemy, cf. British Museum Satires No. 10972), but, unlike his colleagues, not devoid of dignity. On the ground between Howick and Sheridan is Petty in his gown, one hand on his 'Budget', a small bag, the other on a sheaf of papers inscribed 'Ways & Means'. He says: "Bless me I wish I was safe in College I'd never have anything more to do with Taxes" [an allusion to his youth, and to the fact that he was M.P. for Cambridge]. In the background (right) are Moira in his cocked hat and Lord Temple who makes off rapidly."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Retaking the bed of roses by storm!!
Description:
Title etched below image., Attribution to Charles Williams and approximate date of publication from British Museum catalogue., Imperfect; sheet trimmed within plate mark with partial loss of title from bottom edge., and Mounted on linen and formerly sewn in an album, with only the holes remaining on the left edge.
Publisher:
publisher not identified
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain
Subject (Name):
Castlereagh, Robert Stewart, Viscount, 1769-1822, Windham, William, 1750-1810, Portland, William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck, Duke of, 1738-1809, Grenville, William Wyndham Grenville, Baron, 1759-1834, Rose, George, 1744-1818, Erskine, Thomas Erskine, Baron, 1750-1823, Sheridan, Richard Brinsley, 1751-1816, Lauderdale, James Maitland, Earl of, 1759-1839, Canning, George, 1770-1827, Grey, Charles Grey, Earl, 1764-1845, Hastings, Francis Rawdon-Hastings, Marquess of, 1754-1826, and Buckingham and Chandos, Richard Temple Nugent Brydges Chandos, Duke of, 1776-1839
Subject (Topic):
Politics and government, Beds, Roses, Draperies, and Fighting
"Ministers recline on a large low platform, representing a magnificent state bed, which is completely covered with roses. It recedes in perspective from left to right. On the left is Fox, looking sourly over his left shoulder at his neighbour, Sheridan, to say: "This is the most uncomfortable bed I was ever on in my Life and not the least like a bed of Roses - Zound!! what a thorn is running into me - Oh that Bramble - Sherry my Dear how do you find it - ". Sheridan answers: "My dear Charley, I have not had a wink since I have been on it, - curse that Castle man what did he mean by his bed of roses - I am as sore from the tip of my Nose, to the tip of my Toe - as if I had been roling on a quick set-hedge - or stung to death by a swarm of bees at a Hampshire Farmers [an allusion to Cobbett's pen]". Behind Fox, and in profile to the left, Moira, in uniform, with cocked hat and jack-boots, sits up, very erect; he says: "What are Cannons or Bombs or clashing of swords, compared to the pain I endure." Windham, next Sheridan, registering melancholy, says: "I feel more uneasy than if the whole Volunteer force was upon me." Ellenborough, behind Sheridan and Windham, ill-temperedly puts his hand to his wig. Erskine, also in wig and gown, reclines as if exhausted, his eyes closed, his attitude characteristic of his notorious fainting in court (see British Museum Satires No. 7956). He and Grey (Lord Howick from 11 Apr.), who sits behind him, are in profile to the right; the latter says: "It is just such a bed, as I expected the late bungling bed makers would leave us." On the extreme right little Lord Henry Petty (wearing his Chancellor of the Exchequer's gown) sits up, angrily holding above his head two handfuls of thorn-branches. He says: "I shall never have done clearing the brambles and Nettles from this Bed, my Budget would not hold one half of them." The low frame of the bed is carved and has a valance of fringed and festooned draperies. At the head are the Royal Arms; looped curtains are suspended above it."--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title etched below image., Attributed to Charles Williams in the British Museum catalogue., and Mounted on linen and formerly sewn in an album with only the holes remaining on left edge.
Publisher:
Pubd. April 1806 by Walker, 7 Cornhill
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain
Subject (Name):
Fox, Charles James, 1749-1806, Hastings, Francis Rawdon-Hastings, Marquess of, 1754-1826, Erskine, Thomas Erskine, Baron, 1750-1823, Grey, Charles Grey, Earl, 1764-1845, Sheridan, Richard Brinsley, 1751-1816, Ellenborough, Edward Law, Baron, 1750-1818, Windham, William, 1750-1810, Lansdowne, Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marquess of, 1780-1863, Castlereagh, Robert Stewart, Viscount, 1769-1822., and Cobbett, William, 1763-1835.
Subject (Topic):
Politics and government, Beds, Roses, and Draperies
"Three grotesquely ugly old maids stoop delightedly over a Cupid who sleeps against a rose-bush, arrow in hand, his unstrung bow beside him. On the back of one sits an ape; a lap-dog is beside her. A parrot sits on the bonnet of another, the third kneels. On a mound (right) a cock stands crowing: 'Cock a doodle doo.'"--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title etched below image., "One of prints (coloured) by, after, or attributed to G. Cruikshank [many were closely copied and unless original and copy can be compared they are difficult to distinguish; some attributed by Reid or Cohn to Cruikshank are in the manner of the supposed copyist; some are probably by I. R. Cruikshank], from a set issued c. 1817 to c. 1819"--Curator's comments, British Museum online catalogue, registration no.: 1865,1111.2137., Sheet trimmed to plate mark., and Watermark: C. Wilmot 1815.
Publisher:
publisher not identified
Subject (Topic):
Older people, Single women, Roses, Putti, Cupids, Monkeys, Dogs, Parrots, and Roosters
"George IV, much caricatured, and naked except for breeches, reclines on a bed of roses, attended by three plump ladies who bend over him, and whom he regards amorously.They are Mrs. Q-- (Quentin), see British Museum Satires No. 13889, and, apparently, her two young daughters, with whom the King plays. For the King as an infant cf. British Museum Satires No. 13764, &c."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Royal great baby among the roses
Description:
Title etched below image., Frontispiece to: Hunter, R. A peep into the cottage at Windsor, or, "Love among the roses". London : Printed and published by W. Benbow ..., 1820., Approximate month of publication from the British Museum catalogue., Sheet trimmed within plate mark at bottom., Mounted to 58 x 39 cm., Mounted (with one other print) on leaf 8 in volume 1 of the W.E. Gladstone collection of caricatures and broadsides surrounding the "Queen Caroline Affair.", and With "Peep into Cottage at Windsor" written in upper margin and date "1820" written in lower right, both in black ink. Also with four lines in sepia ink concerning Geroge IV's mistresses, written vertically in the left and right margins. Figure of "George IV" identified in pencil on mounting leaf below print, beneath which is pasted a typed extract of two lines from the British Museum catalogue description.
Publisher:
W. Benbow
Subject (Name):
George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830 and Quentin, Georgina
