A satire of London fashion in the late 1820s

HEATH, William.

''We have the Exhibition to Examine (vide Shaks. Much ado about nothing).
London: Thomas McLean, 1829. Etching with original hand colour. Sheet 260 x 375mm.

Repaired tear just entering image at top.

A scene in an exhibition salon, presumably the Royal Academy of Arts, in which specatators struggle to see the paintings past the enormous hats. One disgruntled man wipes his head in exasperation after his daughter tries to dissuade him from leaving.
This satire is signed with the 'Paul Pry' monogram of William Heath (1794-1840), a little figure with a top hat, leaning on an umbrella, based on actor John Liston in the role of Paul Pry, a character who interfered in other peoples' business in John Poole's eponymous comedy. Here the figure addes to the scenes: 'ah if one could but see'.


Stock ID : 23402