“Telegraphs.” Mr. John Pender, Vanity Fair lithograph c1871.

$80.00

Men of the Day, No.35, Mr. John Pender, Vanity Fair lithograph c1871, from the caricature by Coïdé (artist James Tissot, 1836-1902). 

The accompanying text states that "…he who finds a place to lay a firm hold upon the producing forces of the country may surely count upon diverting to himself a large share of the wealth that they create… Opulence, social consideration, probably a seat in the House of Commons,  and possibly final adoption into the aristocracy, are the reward of the successful trader, for whom all things are made and whom all men regards with envy and respect. Such a one is Mr. Pender, the great Manchester Warehouseman. ..
He is at present best known from the active and effectual part he has taken in the construction of Ocean Telegraphs. To him in a great measure we owe the existence of the Atlantic Cable, and to him almost entirely the Red Sea Cable to India; so that his name will for ever be associated wiht the formation of that grand chain of instantaneous intercommunication which binds together all the great markets of the world, and all the men that therein live."

Established by Thomas Gibson Bowles (1841-1922), Vanity Fair was a weekly magazine of social commentary, published in London between 1868 and 1914. With eight to ten pages each issue, Vanity Fair magazine's popularity was assured each week by the inclusion of a caricature parodying a newsworthy personage. It was the first time lithography had been used for caricatures, and over 2,300 were printed by the eminent lithographer, Vincent Brooks (1814-1885).

Over the years of publication it became a mark of honour to be the 'victim' of one of the magazine's caricaturists. Bowles accompanied each with a witty text, full of personal insights and innuendoes, written under his pseudonym 'Jehu Junior' (after the biblical prophet who effected the downfall of his enemies). ‘Ape’" (Carlo Pellegrini, 1839-1889) arrived from Naples in 1864 and was the first artist Bowles employed. (Pellegrini had been popular among Neapolitan society, and had repaid their favours with good-natured caricatures.) The other major caricaturist for Vanity Fair (and perhaps the better known, was ‘Spy’ (Leslie Ward, 1851-1922). 

Page size 355 x 230 (14 x 9 inches).