Re: The Pages of Punch

Pulled down? By the looks of it, it will fall down on its own.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1970: Welcoming pollution

In 1970 seawater pollution could be a good sign for those adrift on the ocean. Today pollution can be seen anywhere even far away from land.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1970: Voluntary segregation

I haven’t seen this sort of street trading for many years. This salesman is displaying his stock of wind-up miniature people for sale to the general public. Fifteen shillings (or three quarters of a pound) was a significant amount of money at the time.

The ’joke’ is that these toys are separating themselves according to gender and colour. Thelwell is clearly commenting on some of the issues of the day but he does not indicate which side he is supporting.

Re: The Pages of Punch

Very apropos too in this day and age.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1968: Trendy sixties people

This couple are dressed in accordance with sixties prevailing style. The aftershave must be powerful.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1968: Specialisation

The division of labour was first chronicled by Adam Smith. An example is shown here. Her concern is to make the home more attractive and his role is to feel uneasy about her risky position on the ladder. Is he concerned about her precarious situation or is he worried that her fall would cause the paint pot to land on him? It isn’t that difficult to decide.

Re: The Pages of Punch

These are great, Mr. Magoo!

Keep 'em coming!

Re: The Pages of Punch

1968: Another sign of the times

All that self-expression in the sixties took its toll on many marriages. Just around the corner was the trend not to marry at all. This would obviously lead to fewer divorces.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1969: Public Opinion Surveys

This cartoon looks very topical at the moment.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1978: Montezuma and Cortes

Here is a somewhat forced attempt at humour. The Spanish conquistador plundered the Aztec empire with catastrophic consequences for the indigenous population. The suggestion here is that Montezuma understood the long- term consequences.