Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: A Harbinger of the Swinging Sixties

I think 1963 saw the start of the Swinging Sixties. It is not surprising that there were some early indications of this major trend. This joke conveys some of the cynicism that went with the ‘letting it all hang out’ zeitgeist.

‘Anton’ is having ironic fun here. She doesn’t really think that the bikini-clad woman is really a perfect secretary. Can she type? Does she know shorthand? Can she keep a diary for his appointments? Does she know whose calls should be put through to him and whose calls should be fended off? No, she can do none of these things.

But she is so ‘perfect’ a secretary that she accompanies him on holiday…

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: Disembarkation from the Ark

Having arrived at Mount Ararat one of Noah’s sons is responsible for counting out all the species that were on board and under board. The tortoises are the last to walk down the gang plank.

This is a charming cartoon in the tradition of linking a modern concept with historical, mythical or biblical scenarios.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: Tourist Ignorance

I don’t suppose anyone is expected to have actually been as ignorant.

However, I do have a vaguely similar experience to relate. In Rome in 1963 we went on a tour of the catacombs. Visitors were segregated according to which language they spoke and we were joined by lots of Americans. When invited to ask any questions they might have one lady said ‘how much did it cost to be buried in the catacombs?’

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: Another thelwell cartoon

Once again we see a cartoon depicting a small girl and an overweight pony.

Right up to the 1920s and 1930s almost every Punch cartoon reflected the concerns of the upper middle classes. By 1960 this was clearly no longer the case. Jokes like this one show that this tradition was not entirely dead. Even so, it rather looks as though thelwell has downplayed this by depicting a far from grand scene. Perhaps they are aspiring to be upper middle class?

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: Still Bothered by TV

Punch’s contributors appear often to have been bothered by the growing attraction of TV. Their instinct was correct because it was a major factor in the loss of readership leading to its eventual close down.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1960: Scoring Points

I think that I have identified five different examples of the way in which the lady on the right has outsmarted the lady on the left. What are they and can you come up with any more?

Re: The Pages of Punch

I can only see three: a real horse, a bikini and that fancy hat. What have I missed?

Re: The Pages of Punch

...... the horse on the right has a harness and reins

Re: The Pages of Punch

Here are my five:

Real Horse
Bikini
Posher Bathing Cap
Riding Crop
Superior Posture

Re: The Pages of Punch

The horse seems to have a superior posture too!