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John Bull, with open mouth, is ready to swallow any quantity of Railroad, 1845
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John Bull, with open mouth, is ready to swallow any quantity of Railroad, 1845
John Bull, with open mouth, is ready to swallow any quantity of Railroad, 1845. Illustration to a story by Alfred Crowquill, a satire on Railway Mania - the obsession with speculation and investment in the railways, a recent innovation in Britain at the time. John Bull, the personification of England, swallows a steam locomotive. From " Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII
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Media ID 20549968
© The Print Collector/Heritage Images
Alfred Alfred Crowquill Alfred Henry Alfred Henry Forrester Crowquill Crowquill Alfred Forrester Forrester Alfred Henry Funny Investment John Bull Obsessed Obsession Silly Speculation Steam Locomotive Train Allegorical Figure Graphic Design Mania
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this print from 1845, we witness a satirical depiction of the Railway Mania that swept across Britain during the 19th century. The image features John Bull, the personification of England, with his mouth wide open, ready to devour any quantity of railroad. Created by Alfred Crowquill as an illustration for a story, it humorously mocks the obsession with speculation and investment in railways at that time. The artist ingeniously portrays John Bull swallowing a steam locomotive, symbolizing how this new innovation was being voraciously embraced by the British public. With intricate detail and skillful engraving techniques, Crowquill captures both the absurdity and excitement surrounding railway mania. This caricature serves as a reminder of how people can become consumed by their obsessions and lose sight of reason. It reflects on society's tendency to blindly invest in new ventures without fully understanding their consequences or potential risks. As we gaze upon this amusing artwork from another era, it prompts us to reflect on our own modern-day obsessions and investments. It reminds us to approach new innovations with caution and critical thinking rather than blindly following trends or succumbing to speculative frenzy. Alfred Crowquill's clever satire continues to entertain viewers even after centuries have passed since its creation. Its timeless message resonates today just as strongly as it did back then – reminding us that history often repeats itself when it comes to human behavior and societal trends.
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