Exeter Election, 1868.
['GP' artist's monogram in most images.]
The Devon And Somerset Steam Printing Company (Limited), 3, Waterbeer St., Exeter [1868].
Seven lithographic broadsides with letterpress, some numbered, , sheets c.550 x 435mm. Extremities tatty, with some tears into image, foxing.
Satirical takes on the issues surrounding the 1868 general election for the City of Exeter, Devon. They are presented in the form of scenes from famous Shakespeare plays adapted to incorporate political figures and campaigning issues of the day. All are from a locally-published 'Shakspere Illustrated' series. The Liberals John Coleridge and Edgar Alfred Bowring were returned for Exeter that year, as part of the general success of the Liberal Party led by William Gladstone, which increased its large majority over Benjamin Disraeli's Conservatives. The 1868 general election was the first after passage of the Reform Act of 1867, which enfranchised many male householders, thus greatly increasing the size of the electorate. It was the first election held in the United Kingdom in which more than a million votes were cast; nearly triple the number of votes were cast compared to the previous election. The Illustrated London News for its November 28th 1868 edition carried 'The General Election: The Nomination at Exeter, For the City'. Some sheets from this series missing.
[Ref: 7754] £490.00
The Devon And Somerset Steam Printing Company (Limited), 3, Waterbeer St., Exeter [1868].
Seven lithographic broadsides with letterpress, some numbered, , sheets c.550 x 435mm. Extremities tatty, with some tears into image, foxing.
Satirical takes on the issues surrounding the 1868 general election for the City of Exeter, Devon. They are presented in the form of scenes from famous Shakespeare plays adapted to incorporate political figures and campaigning issues of the day. All are from a locally-published 'Shakspere Illustrated' series. The Liberals John Coleridge and Edgar Alfred Bowring were returned for Exeter that year, as part of the general success of the Liberal Party led by William Gladstone, which increased its large majority over Benjamin Disraeli's Conservatives. The 1868 general election was the first after passage of the Reform Act of 1867, which enfranchised many male householders, thus greatly increasing the size of the electorate. It was the first election held in the United Kingdom in which more than a million votes were cast; nearly triple the number of votes were cast compared to the previous election. The Illustrated London News for its November 28th 1868 edition carried 'The General Election: The Nomination at Exeter, For the City'. Some sheets from this series missing.
[Ref: 7754] £490.00