Print of the Day: Points of Humour, 1824

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Points of Humour
After George Cruikshank, 1824
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Published by Charles Baldwyn after George Cruikshank, this wood-engraving dates to 1824 and depicts six proofs of vignettes to different “Points of Humour.”

As you can see, Cruikshank’s experience with Mr. Punch and his wife Judy has served him well in this instance.

Friday Fun: Punch and Judy and the Collaborative Divorce

On December 12, 2012, the City of London Collaborative Lawyers issued this Punch & Judy Show to demonstrate how collaborative family law can aid in resolving family issues. It goes to show that even after all these centuries, Mr. Punch is still working to educate and entertain the people.

I was shocked to know Punch was having an affair with the crocodile.

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square, Chapter 236

Chapter 236 
A Grotesque Souvenir 



“We must get them back, Your Grace.” Lady Lensdown sobbed when she was shown the horrific missive and grotesque souvenir sent by Orpha Polk. “My poor, poor children…”

“We shall, Lady Lensdown,” Punch responded. “However, this…this is much more complicated now.”

“What of your plan to involve Mr. Donnan and Mr. Stover?” Lady Lensdown continued, wiping her eyes.

“We shall still proceed with that,” Robert explained. “Still, the Duke is correct, this letter does tend to shed added darkness onto the task.”

“I can’t understand how anyone could harm a child.” Gertrude shook her head. “She…she said that she’d be sending Fern’s ear next. Can you imagine how Constance will react when she sees this?”

“We’ll soon find out,” Robert sighed.

“Am I horrible?” Gertrude gulped.

“How so?” Lennie asked.

“I’m relieved. I’m relieved that I’m not looking at a piece of one of my old children.”

“It’s only natural that you would be.” Lennie shook her head.

They paused as Lady Constance came into the Drawing Room.

“What is it?” Constance frowned. “Everyone has such a queer look.”

“Constance,” Punch began, once again affecting his impersonation of Julian. “Do sit, we must discuss something with you.”

“What have you there?” She pointed to the package. “Charles said to come at once. I could tell that something was amiss.”

“We received word from Orpha.” Robert said plainly.

“Ah…” Constance nodded. “I knew she’d be annoyed by our slowness. Perhaps we should just deliver what she wants—she only wants the baron. Frankly, I don’t think Gertrude would much mind at this point.”

“She doesn’t just want the Baron Lensdown anymore.” Punch scowled.

“Oh, no?” Constance asked.

“She now also wants Lennie.”

“Lennie?” Constance squinted.

“My sister.” Mr. Punch barked.

“Her?” Constance scoffed. “Why? Why would anyone want her? She’s not even titled.”

“Your mother would be most proud of you, Constance.” Punch spat. “Here, look upon the words from your friend.”

“She’d not my friend.” Constance shook her head.

“I wonder.” Mr. Punch replied dryly.

“I made her promise she’d not involve you.” Constance said.

“And, yet, you let her send you into my home.” Punch growled. “Can’t you see that you’ve been fooled? That woman doesn’t only want revenge against her brother. She wants revenge against all whom she feels wronged her. Especially Lennie who revealed Orpha’s deception.”

“This is Orpha’s final spree and she intends to see all of us fall at her feet.” Robert added. “Including you…” With that, Robert picked up the long lock of hair.

“Is that?” Constance gasped.

“Yes, it’s your daughter’s braid.” Punch frowned.

“I…we must…” Constance stammered. She looked up frantically. “Can’t we give this woman to Orpha.” She pointed at Lennie.

“Certainly not!” Punch bellowed.

“But…” Constance began. “She’s not even…”

“You will stop speaking now.” Robert spat.

“And, then you will pack your things and leave my house.” Punch added.

“Leave?” Constance inhaled deeply.

“Yes.”

“What of my daughter?”

“We shall see that your daughter is safe. However, you’ve brought danger into my home and you’ve insulted my family in the process. Perhaps you were an unwitting participant, but, you’ve done it nonetheless.” Punch said firmly. “You will leave now.”

“I don’t think I will.” Constance shook her head.

“Yes, you will.” Punch smiled. “Lest I refer to the Queen of what my valet informed me as he dressed me for dinner.”

“What did he tell you?” Constance asked.

“That your mother died at your own hand. That you brought more death to my father’s home.” Punch answered. “Now, gather your things and leave.”



Did you miss Chapters 1-235 of Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square? If so, you can read them here. Come back tomorrow for Chapter 237.

Drawing of the Day: Le arti per via (Street arts) / I Burattini (The puppets), 1760-1770

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I Burattini
After Maggiotto, 1760-1770
The British Museum

Housed in the British Museum’s Italian Masters Portfolio, this drawing is titled “I Burattini” (The Puppets) and is also referred to as “Le Arti Per Via” (The Street Arts). The drawing dates between 1760 and 1770 and was made for a print by Giovanni Volpato after a work by Francesco Maggiotto. It’s one of a series of twelve, each of which focuses on the various street trades of Eighteenth Century Venice.

Puppetry was an important street art and Pulcinella shows, like the Punch and Judy Shows of the Nineteenth Century in Britain, were an integral communication device. The tradition of Punch’s Italian ancestor, Pulcinella, is depicted here as a young puppet master retreats from his booth. His “bottler,” the fellow tasked with drumming (sometimes literally) up crowds is a blind fiddler.

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.

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Gratuitous Bertie Dog Picture: I Bertieri

"It's customary to bring snacks."

Image:  I Pifferari,  Sir David Wilkie (1785-1841), 1827, Acquired by George IV, King of the United Kingdom (1762-1830), Crown Copyright, The Royal Collection, Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

You, too, could have a cup of tea with Bertie. Or, you could wear his picture proudly. Visit our online store to see our range of Gratuitous Bertie Dog products.