Gary Brennan

Mixed Political Wares as seen in Vanity Fair Gary Brennan

Vanity Fair was a weekly show of Political, Social and Literary Wares which was cutting-edge and unique. Over time it became the most successful society magazine in the history of English journalism and with its combination of witty epigrams, portrait caricature and colour lithography, it provided a new interest for the English magazine genre. The colour caricatures were not initially used by its founding editor Thomas Gibson Bowles until Issue 13, when he thought a caricature might boost the fortunes of his new magazine. Benjamin Disraeli was the first, followed by his close rival William Gladstone.
Vanity Fair stood ready to attack all who threatened the established social structure, controlled by the ruling elites. It was outspoken in its condemnation of the political parties, and during its 46 year existence, politicians were to account for a third of the 2352 caricatures published in the journal from 1869 to 1914. Unlike the rest of Vanity Fair, these caricatures have lived on and prospered, many falling into the hands of private collectors. This particular collection of 'mixed political wares' includes some of the key players and also rans, whose professional dealings, successful or otherwise, did not escape the scrutiny of the prophesising Jehu Junior.