Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Police
Obstructives, 1870. Artist: Joseph Swain
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Obstructives, 1870. Artist: Joseph Swain
Obstructives, 1870. In the doorway of the school, a variety of Ministers and Nonconformists argue, whilst Mr Punch tells Policeman Bull that this prevents the two working-class children from entering the building. This relates to the recently introduced Bill for Public Elementary Education in England and Wales. There had been much dissent between the various religious factions about what, if any, religious instruction should form part of the curriculum. One MP asked how such subjects as poetry could be taught if religion could not be included, whilst another declared that lower-classes wished religious education to form the basis of elementary education. From Punch, or the London Charivari, July 2, 1870
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14831454
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
Doorway Helmet Heritage Image Partnership John Bull John Tenniel Joseph Swain Member Of Parliament Minister Mr Punch Nonconformist Obstruction Police Policeman Protestant Protestantism Punch Punchinello Quarrel School Schoolboy Schoolboys Schoolchild Schoolchildren Schoolgirl Sir John Tenniel Social Class Swain Tenniel Top Hat Working Class Allegorical Figure Roman Catholicism
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> T
> John Tenniel
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Police
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Politics
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Politics
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Wales
> Politics
> People
> Politicians
Obstructives, 1870
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a powerful and thought-provoking print that captures the heated debates surrounding public elementary education in England and Wales during the 19th century. In this image, artist Joseph Swain portrays a chaotic scene at the doorway of a school, where Ministers and Nonconformists engage in fervent arguments while two working-class children are prevented from entering. The cartoonish figure of Mr Punch stands beside Policeman Bull, symbolizing the frustration felt by those who believe that religious disputes hindered progress in education. The recently introduced Bill for Public Elementary Education had sparked dissent among various religious factions regarding the inclusion of religious instruction in the curriculum. This contentious issue led to conflicting opinions on how subjects like poetry could be taught without incorporating religion. Swain's illustration highlights not only the clash between different religious beliefs but also sheds light on social class divisions. The presence of both boys and girls dressed in uniforms represents an attempt to provide equal educational opportunities for all children regardless of gender or background. Through his caricatured figures and satirical style, Swain effectively critiques the obstruction caused by political and religious differences when it comes to providing quality education for all. "Obstructives, 1870" serves as a reminder of past struggles faced by society while prompting us to reflect on current challenges related to education policy and inclusivity.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
