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Low(e) art and whitewash, 1873. Artist: Joseph Swain
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Low(e) art and whitewash, 1873. Artist: Joseph Swain
Low(e) art and whitewash, 1873. Mr Robert Lowe slaps whitewash onto the sturdy figure of a policeman. The British police had been under fire in recent years following various scandals both in London and in the provinces. These ranged from allegations of corruption to incompetence. The service was losing officers faster than they could be recruited due to the poor pay and conditions, and generally the calibre of officers was poor. Sir Robert Lowe had recently been moved from the Exchequer to the Home Office, and, according to Punch, was not getting to grips with the problems of those responsible for safeguarding law and order in Britain. From Punch, or the London Charivari, December 27/1873
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Media ID 14831237
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Bucket Corruption Criticism Heritage Image Partnership Humiliated Humiliation Incompetence John Tenniel Joseph Swain Paint Police Policeman Sir John Tenniel Swain Tenniel Home Office Ineffective Whitewash
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a satirical cartoon titled "Low (e) art and whitewash" created by Joseph Swain in 1873. In the image, Mr. Robert Lowe, who had recently been appointed to the Home Office, is seen slapping whitewash onto the sturdy figure of a policeman. This artwork reflects the critical state of British law enforcement during that time. The British police force was facing severe criticism due to numerous scandals involving corruption and incompetence both in London and other regions. The service was struggling to retain officers as they were leaving faster than they could be recruited, primarily because of poor pay and working conditions. Consequently, there was a decline in the quality of officers serving on the force. Punch magazine depicted Sir Robert Lowe's inability to address these pressing issues effectively through this cartoon. By portraying him humiliatingly painting over a policeman with whitewash, it symbolizes his failure to tackle the problems plaguing law and order in Britain. This engraving serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement during the 19th century Victorian era. It highlights themes such as corruption, ineffective leadership, and public dissatisfaction with policing standards at that time. The monochrome aesthetic adds depth to this heritage image partnership between John Tenniel's concept and Joseph Swain's artistic execution. It stands as an enduring critique of an era marked by inadequate policing practices within Britain's social fabric.
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