Title:
A GROUP OF SPORTING CHARACTERS AT EPSOM
Materials:
paper
Techniques:
lithograph
Production person:
Print made by John Doyle (HB)
Printed by: A Ducôte
Published by: Thomas McLean
Production place:
Published in London, 26 Haymarket
Date: June 12,
1832
Schools/Styles:
British satire
Description
No. 206. No. 206. Below the title: 'How are the odds on the Derby?' Fashionable betting-men stand in groups inspecting horses before the race. Most prominent in the centre are Sir James Graham with his hand on Althorp's shoulder; he says with an amiable smile 'I'll back Spencer He's a good one'. Althorp, pointing to the left with his thumb, answers 'Ah! but St Giles is the favorite'. On the left are the Duke of Richmond and Edward Stanley (Irish Secretary), watching Graham and Althorp; Stanley: 'I believe they are Speaking of me'. Richmond: 'I certainly heard something about St Giles'. On the right are the Marquis of Exeter, and the Duke of Rutland, turning away from Althorp but also listening, the latter wryly, the former with a complacent smile. A dim figure between Althorp and Exeter is identified as Mr. Young; a stout man in top-boots in back view on the extreme left is Mr. Theobold, hosier and racing man. 12 June 1832.
Inscriptions:
Initialled by artist; series title and number at top right; lettered below image with title and publication details: 'A. Ducôte's Lithography, 70, St. Martins Lane. / Published by Thos. Mc.Lean, 26, Haymarket, June 21st, 1832.'
With eye-shaped blindstamp at bottom left, lettered with 'Subscribers copy' and HB's monogram at centre.
BM Satires 17149
(Description and comment from M. Dorothy George, 'Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the British Museum', XI, 1954)
The Derby was run on 7 June, the winner being St. Giles. Spencer "ran only to be beaten"; he was one of Lord Exeter's horses. 'The Times', 8 June. Graham (at this time) and Althorp (Spencer) were advanced Whigs, members of the committee of four who drafted the first Reform Bill. Richmond (see No. 16395) and Stanley (Lord Derby's heir) represent the moderate wing of the Cabinet, not averse to modifications in the Bill.