Re: The Pages of Punch

1936: The difference between theory and practice

The truth is now out.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1936: Somewhat exaggerated

There is, no doubt, a germ of truth here. Consider our Head of State.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1937: A real change here

Open fires are now quite unusual.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1934: Aristocratic self-improvement

This is a cartoon which is very class conscious. The visitors are shown as vey haughty and the butler is full of deference. Her ladyship doesn’t seem to be at all bothered by her status. Not doing her exercises in the privacy of her bedroom seems unlikely but it makes the drawing more complete. She certainly could do with some exercise.

There really was a Women’s League of Health and Beauty in the 1930s and it became quite fashionable at the time. By 1937 there were 166,000 members.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1937: The myth is proudly displayed

This is the sort of thing that was being portrayed at the time. The ship is sinking but the diners and the waiters are making no attempt to save themselves. It is very unlikely that such a thing would have occurred. It certainly didn’t happen on the Titanic.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1934: Confronting the hype

We are all so used to all these claims that we aren’t at all persuaded by them.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1937: Effortless Superiority

The holidaying visitors can’t help being annoyed at the local children for whom using their skis is an everyday experience.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1937: Finding it

What seemed obvious when she put it away doesn’t now seem obvious at all.

This was a time when a woman would not venture outside a house unless she was wearing a hat.

Re: The Pages of Punch

Thanks Mr M.

I've taken the liberty of copying that image to send to my wife (she's in foreign parts right now - Eastbourne), as I think it is appropriate for her.

Re: The Pages of Punch

No liberty at all! I'm glad you like it.