Appreciation

Date made: 1940

Artist: Miller, Harold 'Dusty'

Description: Satirical cartoon drawn for Isle of Man Times newspaper. Shows AFS man singing for his supper before a dismissive Tynwald.

This cartoon was published in the Isle of Man Times of 19 October 1940, and relates to the fact that members of the Auxiliary Fire Service were not initially entitled to insurance and compensation if killed or injured on duty. In Dusty's view Tynwald had been slow to remedy this anomaly, as evidenced by the words 'Traa de Looar' on the hat of the figure representing the House of Keys. The figure of Tynwald in this cartoon bears a marked similarity to Ally Sloper, the Victorian cartoon character, and it may be that this was one of Miller's influences.

The members of the AFS went on strike in October 1940 until the matter was resolved and they were assured by Tynwald that they would be covered.

Materials: ink, paper

Object name: cartoon

Collection: Art Collection

ID number: 2005-0069/69

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