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Turning the Tables, 1887. Artist: Joseph Swain
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Turning the Tables, 1887. Artist: Joseph Swain
Turning the Tables, 1887. The Lord Chancellor yawns as he queries why the House of Commons is not getting on with its business. If this goes on, he warns, then it will have to be the Commons that will be abolished. Mr Speaker is on the left with all the Bills for the coming session under his arm. This cartoon accompanies a poem of the same name that says that the practice of debating the opening address to Parliament takes up valuable time that could be spent debating the issues important to the country. So far, a whole week had gone by with no business started. There was an ongoing debate by a number of MPs to remodel the Upper House to allow for the introduction of a substantial number of life peers. From Punch, or the London Charivari, February 19, 1887
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Media ID 14831999
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Government Gown Heritage Image Partnership House Of Commons Houses Of Parliament John Tenniel Joseph Swain Judge Legislation Lord Chancellor Member Of Parliament Palace Of Westminster Parliament Sir John Tenniel Swain Tenniel City Of Westminster
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Turning the Tables, 1887
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating print that offers a satirical glimpse into the political landscape of late 19th century England. Created by artists Joseph Swain and John Tenniel for Punch, or the London Charivari, this cartoon captures the frustration and impatience felt by many regarding parliamentary proceedings. In this scene, we see the Lord Chancellor yawning in exasperation as he questions why the House of Commons is not focusing on its important business. With bills for the upcoming session tucked under his arm, Mr Speaker stands beside him. The accompanying poem suggests that debating the opening address to Parliament has consumed valuable time that could have been spent discussing crucial national issues. At this time, there was an ongoing debate among MPs about reforming the Upper House to allow for more life peers. This proposed change aimed to introduce fresh perspectives into legislative discussions. However, with a whole week passing without any significant progress made on pressing matters, concerns arose about wasted time and inefficiency within government processes. The black-and-white engraving depicts iconic buildings such as Westminster Palace in London's city center—a symbol of power and governance. Through clever caricature and satire, Swain highlights how excessive debates can hinder progress while emphasizing the need for efficient decision-making in politics. This print serves as both a historical artifact and a reminder that even centuries ago, people were concerned about bureaucracy slowing down essential work—an issue still relevant today.
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