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Father Thames and his Offspring
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Father Thames and his Offspring
Father Thames Introducing his Offspring to the Fair City of London, the offspring being Diphtheria, Scrofula and Cholera. More an open sewer than a river, the disgusting state of the Thames in London. Cartoon from " Punch", London, 1858
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Media ID 9700459
© Universal History Archive
1858 Allegorical Painting British Culture Cartoon Cholera Dirty Father Fictional Being Healthcare And Medicine Introduction One Woman Only Pollution Punch River Sewer Thames River United Kingdom Western Script Diphtheria Father Thames Public Health Scrofula
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This thought-provoking cartoon print from 1858, titled "Father Thames and his Offspring" captures the grim reality of London's polluted river during the 19th century. Depicted in a horizontal format, it showcases Father Thames, personified as a fictional being, introducing his offspring - Diphtheria, Scrofula, and Cholera - to the fair city of London. The image portrays Father Thames standing tall with one woman beside him. He holds out his hand towards the viewer as if presenting his children. However, instead of showcasing beauty or prosperity, this allegorical painting highlights the appalling state of the Thames River at that time. With its dirty waters resembling an open sewer rather than a river, this artwork serves as a scathing commentary on public health issues prevalent in Victorian London. The artist uses satire to draw attention to diseases such as diphtheria, scrofula, and cholera that plagued the city due to contaminated water sources. Through this historical piece of art and craft created by Punch magazine in collaboration with Universal Images Group (UIG), we are reminded of how far we have come in terms of healthcare and medicine. It also sheds light on British culture and history by depicting an important chapter in London's past when efforts were made to address pollution concerns
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