Re: The Pages of Punch

1969: Not considered at all funny today

The real surprise is that in 1969 this cartoon was considered suitable for a respected magazine like Punch. Here we see two roughnecks using a City Guide to go and beat up some immigrants. They look convincingly unsavoury. There is even a swastika on the back of the left-hand man’s trousers.

Re: The Pages of Punch

I don't think suitability or lack thereof was hindmost in Punch's brief when they published this cartoon. I think it was to take a dig at the rising tide of extreme right-wing organisations and not immigrants themselves.

Re: The Pages of Punch

Yes, I see. Thank you. I expect that you are right.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1977: Criticising lawyers

Unlike yesterday’s cartoon this one is very much welcome today. One would like to believe that this sort of thing couldn’t happen today but I’m not at all sure about that.

Re: The Pages of Punch

The difference is that today they would actually be on the golf course using their mobile phone and you would be none the wiser.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1977: Updating the Roman Empire

The Romans idea of enjoyment was very grisly. Appealing against the light is a very modern concept connected to the idea of ‘fair play’. That is something that the Romans never considered.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1969: A popular interest

This is how the man on the right perceives the forces of the law look like. This is a very sixties interest. Although illegal at the time the media frequently seemed to condone it.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1969: Back to the fags

The danger caused by smoking was only slowly being recognised. Here we see a hospital that had responded to this risk. We see the effect of the ban had on expectant fathers in the maternity ward. This cartoon seems to be making a case for allowing smoking in the face of extreme need.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1968: Further research is needed

Sex was in the air during the sixties. Punch was responding to this interest. It is, of course, one thing to know that he is on a research fellowship. It is quite another to be expected to participate in a data gathering exercise.

Re: The Pages of Punch

1973: Campaign against fur coats

I can remember the growing opposition to the wearing of fur coats. Here we see a light-hearted reference with a small boy seeking to influence his father.