The Pitmens Union, 1832.
[Anon., 1832.]
Very rare etching, plate 210 x 275mm (8¼ x 10¾"), with large margins. On paper watermarked 'J Whatman Turkey Mill 1830.' Time stained. Surface dirt. Creased.
A group of six representing the coal-owners faces a spokesman of the miners (right) on an open moor. Behind the former are a few soldiers with bayoneted muskets and one or two constables or magistrates; behind the latter is an immense procession of well-dressed pitmen, carrying banners, the two leaders being in the foreground on the extreme right. Between the two parties stands a man in top-boots, identified in pencil below as Thomas Easton, who says to the owners: 'Gentlemen these Fellows say they won't dissolve their Union I can make nothing of them'. The most prominent of the owners can be individually identified, notably the group includes Tory MP Matthew Bell. Behind them are two others, unidentified, one saying, 'Oh! the Fools'. Two of the many banners have inscriptions: 'Patience & Perseverance Will Recover Our Rights and ‘United To Relieve And Not To Injure'. The long procession recedes in perspective; on the skyline beyond is a pithead building with a tall chimney. During the great strike of Durham and Northumberland miners in the spring of 1832, the owners made recognition of the Union the only issue.
BM Satires: 17001.
[Ref: 61464] £260.00
Very rare etching, plate 210 x 275mm (8¼ x 10¾"), with large margins. On paper watermarked 'J Whatman Turkey Mill 1830.' Time stained. Surface dirt. Creased.
A group of six representing the coal-owners faces a spokesman of the miners (right) on an open moor. Behind the former are a few soldiers with bayoneted muskets and one or two constables or magistrates; behind the latter is an immense procession of well-dressed pitmen, carrying banners, the two leaders being in the foreground on the extreme right. Between the two parties stands a man in top-boots, identified in pencil below as Thomas Easton, who says to the owners: 'Gentlemen these Fellows say they won't dissolve their Union I can make nothing of them'. The most prominent of the owners can be individually identified, notably the group includes Tory MP Matthew Bell. Behind them are two others, unidentified, one saying, 'Oh! the Fools'. Two of the many banners have inscriptions: 'Patience & Perseverance Will Recover Our Rights and ‘United To Relieve And Not To Injure'. The long procession recedes in perspective; on the skyline beyond is a pithead building with a tall chimney. During the great strike of Durham and Northumberland miners in the spring of 1832, the owners made recognition of the Union the only issue.
BM Satires: 17001.
[Ref: 61464] £260.00