Blood & Co. setting fire to [the] tower & stealing the crown
[London?] : [publisher not identified], [not before July 1788]
A reduced copy of a print by Gillray with the same title. Cf. No. 7354 in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 6; probably issued as folio 75 in The caricature magazine, or Hudibrastic mirror, by G.M. Woodward, vol. 1 (London : Thomas Tegg, 1808?)
Printed in brown ink.
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Print shows Fox, followed by Burke and Sheridan, hastily leaving a vaulted archway from which issue smoke and flames. George Hanger (left) runs in front, holding a burning firebrand; behind him is the White Tower in flames. Fox carries the crown which he partly conceals under his voluminous coat. Burke, dressed as a Jesuit, holds the scepter; he looks with satisfaction at Sheridan, who takes his arm. Sheridan holds the orb; in his hat is an election favor inscribed 'Townsend'. Hanger wears a cocked hat with an election favour, his military coat and tight breeches are in rags; under his arm is a sack labeled 'Unmill'd Coin'. Torn bills pasted on the wall behind Fox's head are inscribed 'the Westminster Election; for the Interest of Lord J. Townsd', and 'Leak's Pills'.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850 former owner.