Humorous Law British Engraving
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Gravelot (after) |
Lawyers, judges, and other people are shown milling in Westminster Hall on the first day of the new law term. The print is subtitled "A Satirical Poem" and includes the text of the poem in the bottom margin:
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When Fools fall out, for ev'ry Flaw They run horn mad to go to Law, A Hedge awry, a wrong plac'd Gate, Will serve to spend a whole Estate; Your case the Lawyer says is good, And Justice cannot be withstood; By tedious Process from above From Office they to Office move; Thro Pleas Demurrers the Dev'l & All At length they bring it to the Hall, The Dreadfull Hall by Rufus rais'd, For lofty Gothick, Arches Prais'd; The First of TERM, the fatal day Doth various Images convey; First from ye Courts then clam'rous bawl The Criers their Attorneys call: |
One of ye Gown, discreet and wise, By Proper means his Witness tries; From Wreathocks Gang -- not Right or Laws, H'afsures his tembling Clients Cause; This Gnaws his Handkerschief whilst that, Gives the kind ogling Nympt his Hat; Her one in Love with Choiristers Minds Singing more than Law Affairs. A Sergeant limping on behind Shews Justice Lame, as well as Blind; To gain new Clients some dispute, Others protract an Ancient Suit; Jargon and Noise alone prevail While Sense and Reason's sure to fail; At Babel thus Law Terms began, And now at Westm'er go on. |
Robert Laurie (1755-1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818) were London map, chart and printsellers active from 1794 to 1812 trading variously as Laurie and Whittle or Whittle and Laurie. Laurie began his career as a fine mezzotint engraver and exhibited at the Society of Artists from 1770-76. With Whittle, they took over Robert Sayer's business and Laurie stopped engraving. The firm published many atlases and maps and products used for jigsaws. Robert's son, Richard Holmes Laurie, succeeded him upon his retirement in 1812, and after Whittle's death in 1818 carried on the business alone until at least 1840. The firm still exists as Imray, Laurie, Norie and Wilson Ltd. and they have long specialized in marine charts.
Condition: Generally very good, the paper a bit toned overall, and with the usual wear.