Charles Hall, Q.C., M.P. — 'Charley'
Leslie Ward · Published 18 February 1888
Leslie Ward's chromolithograph portrays Charles Hall, Q.C., M.P. — nicknamed 'Charley' — in the caricaturist's characteristic full-length mode: a rotund, red-haired figure caught mid-stride, one hand tucked behind his back, wearing white-tie evening dress with a gold watch-chain glinting across the waistcoat. Ward exaggerates Hall's compact build and ruddy complexion while keeping the likeness recognisable to Vanity Fair's knowing readership. Hall was a Conservative barrister and Member for Cambridge who prosecuted several high-profile cases; the caption's breezy familiarity signals clubbable acceptance rather than satirical assault. No ethnic caricature is present. The plate is signed 'Spy' in Ward's usual lower-right hand, situating it squarely within the magazine's long run of legal and parliamentary worthies.
About this artifact
- Creator
- Leslie Ward
- Date
- Published 18 February 1888
- Rights
- Public domain — free to view, share, and reuse.
- Restoration
- Digitally restored and hosted by ComicBooks.com.
Part of our mission to preserve and restore the public-domain heritage of the medium.