Title: William Gladstone
- Title of artwork:
- William Gladstone
- Artist:
- Gregory, Robert
- Materials:
- Paper (fiber material), Ink
- Techniques:
- Wood engraving, Three colour process
- Title of Publication:
- The Kiltartan history book
- Publisher:
- Maunsel and Co.
- Publication place:
- Dublin
- Publication date:
- 1909
- Curator Comment:
- This is one of the four illustrations to the book, all provided by Gregory, the author's son. All the illustrations seem to be based on small Staffordshire porcelain figures.
- Note on artwork:
- A weak and barely recognisible image of the Liberal prime minister, William Gladstone. He stands on an elevated knoll, the axe in his hand refers to his tree-felling leisure activities and the shamrocks on his waistcoat to his abortive Irish Home Rule plans. Behind him is the White Ensign, the ensign of the Royal Navy and here a symbol of British imperial power. The composition is shown as if it were a small commemorative porcelain figure - indeed the image is directly based on such a Staffordshire figure. The tone of the book is light mockery of all its subjects, the contents being based on stories told to Lady Gregory.
- References:
- DIB online
