Skip to main content

The Gradual Abolition off the Slave Trade or leaving of Sugar by Degrees, 15 April 1792

 Item — Box: LF104/2 Box 1
Reference code: LF104/2/15

Scope and Contents

Engraving (coloured and uncoloured impressions) by Isaac Cruikshank. The King and Queen sit side by side, facing the spectator, behind a circular breakfast-table; two Princesses are on the King's right, Mrs. Schwellenburg on the Queen's left, the figures being T.Q.L. and the surface of the table filling the centre foreground. Princess Elizabeth, in profile to the right, holds out her cup, saying, "Indeed papa, I cant leave of a good thing so soon, I am sure of late I have been very moderate, but I must have a bit now & then". The King, who wears a nightcap and holds a brimming saucer in one hand, a cup whose contents he is spilling in the other, answers, "Poo Poo Poo, leave it off at once, you know I have never Drank any since I was married Lizie". Her sister on the extreme left turns her head away in disgust, saying, "for my Part I'd rather Want alltogether than have a small piece". The Queen, much caricatured, wearing a plain cap and morning gown, takes tiny pieces of sugar from a basin to weigh them in a small pair of scales, like those used for weighing guineas, which she holds between finger and thumb; she grins delightedly, looking at Mrs. Schwellenberg, and saying, "Now my Dear's only an ickle Bit, do but tink on de Negro girl dat Captain Kimber treated so cruelly ha, Madam Swelly & Rum too". Mrs. Schwellenberg (right), grasping a bottle of 'Brandy' in both hands, answers, "oh to be sure I was taken but an ickle at a time, an ickle and often you know & as far de Rum I dont care about it. good Coniac will make shift aha!!" In the shadow between the Queen and her Keeper of Robes is a face gaping at the table, perhaps intended for a younger princess. On the table are a small tea-pot and cream jug on an oval tray, and two piles of muffins. Partial description from Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires Vol. VI. 8081.

Dates

  • Creation: 15 April 1792

Conditions Governing Access

Available by appointment in our Reading Room

Extent

1 Item(s)

Language of Materials

English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and Archives Repository

Contact:
Western Bank Library
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield South Yorkshire S10 2TN United Kingdom
+44 (0) 114 222 7299