Charles Scotter, 'London & South Western Railway'

Leslie Ward's plate for Vanity Fair's 'Men of the Day' series depicts Charles Scotter, General Manager of the London and South Western Railway, in profile. The caption reads simply 'London & South Western Railway' — the institution standing in for the man's name, a typical Spy conceit. Ward renders Scotter as a prosperous, heavyset figure in a double-breasted frock coat and striped trousers, hands thrust into pockets, chin tucked toward chest — projecting administrative stolidity rather than glamour. The exaggerated belly and drooping moustache gently satirise the corporate grandee comfortable in his authority. The plate is signed 'Spy' lower right, printed by Vincent Brooks Day & Son.