Rights Managed > Universal Images Group (UIG) > History > War
Ideal and Real : William Henry Smith (1825-1891), son of William Henry Smith (1792-1865)
Filename: 917_05_011024.jpg
Size: 3048 x 1752 (3.1MB)
Date: 27th March 2014
Source: Universal Images Group (UIG)
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Universal Images Group (UIG)
Ideal and Real : William Henry Smith (1825-1891), son of William Henry Smith (1792-1865)
Ideal and Real : William Henry Smith (1825-1891), son of William Henry Smith (1792-1865), as Secretary of State for War as he might be seen by the Germans, and how he really was. English businessman and politician, he joined his fathers newsagent business in 1846 and introduced the selling of books and newspapers at railway stations. Elected Conservative Member of Parliament for Westminster in 1868. In 1877 he was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty and is caricatured as Sir Joseph Porter who, in the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta HMS Pinafore, sings I always voted at my partys call, /And I never thought for myself at all./I thought so little, they rewarded me/By making me the Ruler of the Queens Navee. During his three years is this position he was known as Pinafore Smith. Cartoon by Harry Furniss (1854-1925) from Punch (London, 23 October 1886)
Universal Images Group (UIG) manages distribution for many leading specialist agencies worldwide
Media ID 9754767
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1846 1868 1877 1886 Admiralty Appointed Books Business Businessman Call Cartoon Conservative Elected Father Germans Gilbert Harry Henry Ideal Introduced Joined Joseph Little Lord Making Member Newspapers October Parliament Party Pinafore Politician Porter Position Punch Queen Railway Real Ruler Secretary Selling Smith State Stations Sullivan Thought Westminster William Years Caricatured Furniss Newsagent Operetta Rewarded Sings Voted
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the stark contrast between the ideal and real persona of William Henry Smith (1825-1891), a prominent English businessman and politician. As Secretary of State for War, he was seen by the Germans as a formidable figure, commanding respect and authority. However, this image also reveals his true nature - a man deeply rooted in his family's newsagent business. Following in his father's footsteps, Smith joined the business in 1846 and revolutionized it by introducing book and newspaper sales at railway stations. This entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to be elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Westminster in 1868. In 1877, Smith assumed the prestigious role of First Lord of the Admiralty. Interestingly enough, he became caricatured as Sir Joseph Porter from Gilbert and Sullivan's operetta HMS Pinafore. The character famously sings about never thinking for himself but always voting along party lines. During his tenure at the Admiralty, Smith earned himself the nickname "Pinafore Smith". This cartoon by Harry Furniss from Punch magazine humorously depicts how Smith went from being an influential political figure to embodying a comical character known for thoughtlessly following orders. Despite this lighthearted portrayal, it is important to recognize that William Henry Smith played significant roles both within British politics and commerce during his time. Overall, this print offers us a glimpse into history while highlighting the multifaceted nature of individuals who navigate both public service and private enterprise with varying degrees of success or perception.
MADE IN THE UK
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 Basket.
