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"Please Sir, is it Sterilised?" (litho)
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"Please Sir, is it Sterilised?" (litho)
8655416 "Please Sir, is it Sterilised?" (litho) by Townsend, Frederick Henry (1868-1920); Private Collection; (add.info.: "Please Sir, is it Sterilised?", 1911. Illustration from "Punch" Drawings by F H Townsend (Casselland Company Limited (London, New York, Toronto and Melbourne, 1921).); © Look and Learn
Media ID 38293758
© © Look and Learn / Bridgeman Images
Anxiety Birch Schoolchild Punishment
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Please Sir, is it Sterilised?
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a thought-provoking lithograph by Frederick Henry Townsend that captures the anxiety and humor of childhood in early 20th century England. The image depicts a schoolboy nervously asking his teacher if the birch rod he is about to be punished with has been sterilized. This satirical drawing from Punch magazine reflects the strict disciplinary practices of the time, where corporal punishment was common in schools.
Townsend's detailed illustration conveys the tension between authority figures and young students, as well as the fear and uncertainty that often accompanied punishment in educational settings. The boy's wide-eyed expression and pleading question add a touch of dark humor to the scene, highlighting the absurdity of using physical pain as a means of discipline.
This print serves as a reminder of how far education has come since the early 20th century, shedding light on outdated practices while also capturing a moment in history when such methods were considered acceptable. "Please Sir, is it Sterilised?" invites viewers to reflect on past attitudes towards childhood and education, prompting us to consider how far we have come in creating safe and nurturing environments for young learners today.
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