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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/61
Former ReferenceD5459/1/10
TitleBilly Taking Time by the Fore-Lock
Date[1797]
DescriptionWilliam Pitt wrestling with Father Time. On the left of the picture Pitt stands in a red coat, beige breeches, blue stockings and bag wig. In his pocket is a paper marked 'BUDGET', and in his left hand is another paper marked 'TAX on CLOCKS and WATCHES'. He is grabbing the hair of Old Father Time with his right hand, and says:
"Now I have you safe you Old Miscreant. - When Light, and the rest of your associates have been so long in a state of requisition, how could you possibly think to escape."
The figure of Time is on one knee, with hands clasped, saying: "O! - that ever I should live to be taxed." Between them Time's scythe and hourglass lie smashed on the floor. Available on CD 158.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationA tax on clocks and watches was introduced on 1 Aug 1797, which levied 10 shillings on gold watches, and 2 shillings 6 d on other metal watches. There were certain exemptions for the poorest classes. It proved disastrous to the clock and watch trade and was repealed in Apr 1798. The mention of light refers to Pitt's tax on windows.
Physical DescriptionColoured drawing. Size 375 x 310 mm.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Related MaterialFor more depictions of William Pitt see: D5459/1/62, D5459/1/92, D5459/1/93/1, D5459/1/93/3, D5459/1/93/4, D5459/1/93/38, D5459/2/18, D5459/4/7, D5459/4/8, D5459/13, D5459/14.
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Billy Taking Time by the Fore-Lock

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