Gillray (James). The Union Club, London: H. Humphreys, Jan 21st, 1801

Gillray (James). The Union Club, London: H. Humphreys, Jan 21st, 1801, etching on wove with contemporary hand colouring, slight mount staining, narrow margins, old mount hinges to verso, 300 x 440 mm (Quantity: 1) BM Satires 9699. Gillray's The Union Club is considered to be the most brilliant and influential depiction of the effects of inebriation in the history of caricature. The scene is a disorderly dinner of the Union Club at Cumberland House. The important politicians of the day celebrate the first coalition parliament of 1801 with a glorious drunken riot. Richard Brinsley Sheridan is sprawled over the table, spilling a bottle of wine as he raises his glass, Charles James Fox is sleeping in his chair and The Prince Regent is slumped under the table. All manner of objects are thrown through the air, vicious fights are breaking out and a brass band performs in the background.