The Relief Fund in Lancashire

The Relief Fund in Lancashire

J. M. Whistler

Wood engraving, unsigned but probably by Joseph Swain

5¼ x 4¼ inches

Once a Week 7 (2 August 1862): 140.

This illustration was supposed to be accompanied by a poem by Tennyson, which does not appear. Instead, it illustrates a feeble appeal for charitable relief, along with details of money raised by amateur dramatics. None of these words give any sense of the realities of suffering, but Whistler drives the message home. [Commentary continues below.]

Scanned image and text by Simon Cooke. Click on the `image to enlarge it, and mouse over the text for links.

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