Antique Image of the Day: The Devil's Forge, 1903

Poster for "The Devil's Forge"
London, 1903
The Victoria & Albert Museum

This handsome poster depicts the famed dancer Edie Slack in the role of the Sixteenth-Century sword maker Karl, from the second scene of the ballet “The Devil's Forge.”  The moment shows  Karl thrusting his sword into the fire and the stream in a mystic cave to make it invincible. Theis well-received ballet was first performed at London's Alhambra Theatre, Leicester Square, in January of 1903.

An exceptional color lithograph, this poster shows Edie Slack as an auburn-haired female warrior brandishing a rapier in her right hand, her left hand on her hip.  Her fiery hair is accentuated by the flames leaping from the bottom left-hand corner of the poster.  The name of the theatre “ALHAMBRA” is in the top left-hand corner in white upper-case lettering, and the name of the production “THE DEVIL'S FORGE” is shown in white upper-case lettering at the bottom right corner.

This was printed for the opening of the ballet in 1903 by Weiner's Ltd.Punch Magazine (also known as The London Charivari) of 21 January 1903 mentioned the show:

AN EVENING FROM HOME. 

AT the Alhambra the plot of the new ballet, The Devil's Forge, will remind veteran opera-goers of Der Freischiitz, and the younger generation of Siegfried. But the scene in the cavern of the mountain witch, where the three army corps of flame, frost and water fairies are manoeuvred with the utmost precision and great kaleidoscopic splendour, owes nothing to WEBER or WAGNER. Miss EDIE SLACK, as that dashing young blade, Karl, excellent in a Romeo costume; Mile. AI.MA MARI, as the Mountain Fairy, gives an excellent imitation of an animated pair of compasses. Music by Mr. GEORGE BYXI;, of the sumptuous and sonorous type. For the rest one can take trips to Fez or the Moon, per Bioscope, or watch the NOLSET Troupe noisey in nature as in name perform their astonishing feat of 'Circling the Circ.' Squaring the circle is nothing to the achievement of this amazing quartet of cyclists, who climb into a large skeleton bottomless bucket, so to speak, and then proceed, all four of them, to race, full tilt round the inner sides to the bucket, which is gradually hoisted up twenty feet into the air.

Print of the Day: The Ghost of Christmas Present, 1843



The Victoria & Albert Museum



This hand-colo(u)red etching was created for an early edition of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol,” published in 1843, and depicts the scene in which Scrooge's third visitor—The Ghost of Christmas Present—appears.

It was drawn by John Leech (of "Punch Magazine" fame) and published in an edition by Chapman & Hall. The title and artist’s signature are still clearly seen.

Drawing of the Day: Mr. Punch and the World, 1843

Click image for larger size.

Punch and the World
John Leech or After John Leech
Britain, 1843
The British Museum

Here’s another drawing by John Leech (or in the style of John Leech) which dates to 1843. Of course, we know that Leech, among his many other successes, was known for his work with Punch Magazine. It’s possible that this drawing was created “after Leech” to match other illustrations in the publication.

Created for a November, 1843 edition of Punch, this study for an original drawing depicts Mr. Punch and the world—literally. Punch stands next to a figure with a globular head. The exact meaning of this satirical scene is somewhat lost to modern eyes, but, as with all Leech or Leech-inspired works, it is brimming with charm.

This pencil version was later inked and refined for publication.

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: Mr. Punch by John Leech, c. 1850

Graphite Drawing
John Leech, c. 1850
The British Museum

Click image to enlarge.  

Hullo, all!  It's Friday, and that means, Punch-related art and things, so, let's begin with this handsome graphite drawing by the celebrated illustrator John Leech.  Leech, known for his work with Mr. Dickens, as well as "Punch Magazine," depicts our Mr. Punch rolling a ball or a pizza down a slope.  He doesn't seem concerned at all about keeping his balance, and is, generally "havin' a ball."  A separate drawing on the same side (upside down) shows a study of a tree.  Obviously, this was a quick sketch which Leech intended as a study for other pieces.

It's hard to pin a date on this, but I'd guess it was created around 1850.

Mr. Punch in the Arts: The “Punch Coronation Number,” 1953

Founded in 1841, Punch Magazine took its name from our favorite puppet imp, Mr. Punch, and offered a satirical and upscale look at British society. Much like, Mr. Punch, however, Punch Magazine knew when to be respectful. Such was the case of the “Punch Coronation Number” which was dedicated to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953.


This is a fascinating item to peruse. The articles about the coronation, English history and tradition are fascinating. Equally delightful are all of the vintage ads. Some are downright reverential to Her Majesty while others are more light-hearted. All of them however are extremely patriotic. I’ll reproduce some of them for you below.

Peppered throughout the edition are dozens of the delightful illustrations for which the magazine was known. I have a favorite, of course—for obvious reasons. I adore this drawing of Mr. Punch and Toby as they await the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Enjoy these selected pages. I wish I could share the whole thing.

Drawing of the Day: Mr. Punch and the World, 1843

Click image for larger size.

Punch and the World
John Leech or After John Leech
Britain, 1843
The British Museum

Since Friday’s tend to be “Mr. Punch” days, I’ve been trying to find new Punchinello related antiques to share with all of you. Here’s a drawing by John Leech (or in the style of John Leech) which dates to 1843. Of course, we know that Leech, among his many other successes, was known for his work withPunch Magazine. It’s possible that this drawing was created “after Leech” to match other illustrations in the publication.

Created for a November, 1843 edition of Punch, this study for an original drawing depicts Mr. Punch and the world—literally. Punch stands next to a figure with a globular head. The exact meaning of this satirical scene is somewhat lost to modern eyes, but, as with all Leech or Leech-inspired works, it is brimming with charm.

This pencil version was later inked and refined for publication.

Object of the Day, Museum Edition: Mr. Punch by John Leech, c. 1850

Graphite Drawing
John Leech, c. 1850
The British Museum

Click image to enlarge.  

And, this is how I have been feeling the past couple of weeks.  

Despite my best intentions, I've just not been able to spend as much time with this site as I usually do.  In fact, I've not been able to spend as much time with ANYTHING as I usually do.

Nevertheless, it's Friday, and that means, Punch-related art and things, so, let's begin with this handsome graphite drawing by the celebrated illustrator John Leech.  Leech, known for his work with Mr. Dickens, as well as "Punch Magazine," depicts our Mr. Punch rolling a bowl down a slope.  He doesn't seem concerned at all about keeping his balance, and is, generally "havin' a ball."  A separate drawing on the same side (upside down) shows a study of a tree.  Obviously, this was a quick sketch which Leech intended as a study for other pieces.

It's hard to pin a date on this, but I'd guess it was created around 1850.

Mr. Punch" in the Arts: "Punch Hanging the Devil," 1841

Image From Punch Magazine.

Throughout Mr. Punch’s English evolution, he increasingly began to represent the voice of the people and became a tool by which satirical commentary could be proffered without fear of retribution. In 1841, Henry Mayhew and engraver Ebenezer Landells founded Punch Magazine—taking the name from the popular puppet as well as a personal pun that they shared with their contributor, Mark Lemon, “Punch is nothing without Lemon.”


Punch Magazine gave rise to a new style of parody and political commentary and is credited as being the first publication to refer to a comic drawing as a “cartoon.” A conservative magazine, Punch offered sophisticated humor without the threat of vulgarity, and was soon welcomed into the finest drawing rooms and clubs. The magazine grew in popularity until the 1940’s. Soon, its readership slowly declined. The magazine closed in 1992. Mohammed Al-Fayed’s 1996 remake of Punch Magazine was a dismal failure.

Image From Punch Magazine.

Still, many copies of Punch remain today and offer us a glimpse at the art, politics and humor of one hundred and fifty years of British history. I’m particularly fond of the magazine’s first cover. The engraving by Landelis depicts Mr. Punch triumphantly hanging the Devil (a favorite pastime of his). The wild look of glee on Mr. Punch’s face just makes me smile.

Object of the Day: Invest Your Money in Punch!

I love his smile. There’s something about Mr. Punch’s smile that I find very appealing. I’m surrounded by smiling Punchinellos, as you all know. And, no matter the maker or the medium, somehow, they all have the same smile—a grin of intelligence, mischief, and, yet…there’s a reassurance in it also. He’s reassuring you that though his antics may seem wild, it’s all going to work out.

Take a look at Punch’s smile on this handsome vintage letter opener which was given to me for Christmas. There he is, looking quite smart in brilliant enamels on brass, his face set against a raised “wax” seal. Beneath his bi-corned hat, we see his sparkling eyes and that reassuringly wild smile.

This letter opener was made as an incentive to advertisers to place ads in Punch Magazine. Just a way to keep Punch in front of potential advertisers’ eyes… 

The metal is inscribed:

NEVER SPECULATE IN ADVERTISING BUT “INVEST” YOUR MONEY IN PUNCH 
THE PROVED AND TRIED DIVIDEND-PAYER 

Well, I think that’s very reasonable, indeed.

I just love this item. Looking at his little red face gives me great joy and inspiration. So, it’s nice to know he’s still serving his purpose, even in the following century.

Drawing of the Day: Mr. Punch and the World, 1843

Click image for larger size.

Punch and the World
John Leech or After John Leech
Britain, 1843
The British Museum

Since Friday’s tend to be “Mr. Punch” days, I’ve been trying to find new Punchinello related antiques to share with all of you. Here’s a drawing by John Leech (or in the style of John Leech) which dates to 1843. Of course, we know that Leech, among his many other successes, was known for his work with Punch Magazine. It’s possible that this drawing was created “after Leech” to match other illustrations in the publication.

Created for a November, 1843 edition of Punch, this study for an original drawing depicts Mr. Punch and the world—literally. Punch stands next to a figure with a globular head. The exact meaning of this satirical scene is somewhat lost to modern eyes, but, as with all Leech or Leech-inspired works, it is brimming with charm.

This pencil version was later inked and refined for publication.

Object of the Day: Mr. Punch's Pocket Book, 1860

Last week, I showed you an object from the British Museum—the etched frontispiece from Mr. Punch’s Pocket Book of 1872, and, at the time I teased that today I’d be showing you my own example of this annual almanac. 

So, here it is. I’ve had to take pictures instead of scan the pages because, frankly, this book from 1860 is in pristine condition and I don’t want to be the person to damage it. Forgive me, if the pictures are not as crisp as they should be.

Mr. Punch’s Pocket Book, as I mentioned before, contained everything that a gentleman could need throughout a year, especially if he traveled a lot.

The annual publication was produced from about 1843 to 1881 and contained a variety of useful information as well as carefully selected articles which had appeared in Punch throughout the past year. Each edition featured gilt-edged pages nestled in a red box-grain sheepskin folder. The frontispiece of each unfolded and, until about 1880 was hand-colored, or at least augmented with hand color. 

The frontispiece for the 1860 edition features a comic drawing of women in “new” swimming costumes entitled, “Swimming for Ladies.” As usual, the frontispiece corresponds to one of the articles featured at the end of the pocket-sized publication.

The frontispiece leads to the title page which usually features Mr. Punch holding the Pocket Book, and, typically, the baby poking his head out from it. The idea, of course, is that since this publication is an offspring of Punch, it would be like his baby.

The front page reads:

PUNCH’S POCKET BOOK 

FOR 1860 

CONTAINING 

RULED PAGES FOR CASH ACCOUNTS AND MEMORANDA 

FOR EVERY DAY IN THE YEAR. 

AN ALMANACK: 

AND A VARIETY OF USEFUL BUSINESS INFORMATION. 

The Illustrations by John Leech and John Tenniel 

This book has never been used. It has remained untouched since 1860. The ledger pages are blank. The articles are not dog-eared. It’s nearly perfect. I especially enjoy the articles in the back of the book as well as the little society stories, jokes and riddles.

Many thanks to my parents for finding this remarkable gift for me. I’m so enchanted by it.

Object of the Day: A Punch Magazine from the 1937 Coronation

A new addition to my growing collection of Punch Magazines, we see here the Coronation Number from 1937 and the unexpected coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) following the Abdication Kerfuffle (TM). Filled with beautiful images—both color and black and white—Mr. Punch guides us through the Coronation celebrations with his usual style. Aided by Dog Toby, we get Punch’s take on the new king and the dawn of a new era.

Of course, in many ways, the advertisements take center stage and give us a glimpse into the fashion and technology of London in 1937. I’ll let it speak for itself.

Object of the Day: A Punch Magazine from the 1937 Coronation

A new addition to my growing collection of Punch Magazines, we see here the Coronation Number from 1937 and the unexpected coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) following the Abdication Kerfuffle (TM). Filled with beautiful images—both color and black and white—Mr. Punch guides us through the Coronation celebrations with his usual style. Aided by Dog Toby, we get Punch’s take on the new king and the dawn of a new era.

Of course, in many ways, the advertisements take center stage and give us a glimpse into the fashion and technology of London in 1937. I’ll let it speak for itself.