Three lithographic political satires John William Chater Newcastle 1878

CHATER, John William (1840-1885), publisher. Three lithographic political satires relating to the South Northumberland by-election of 1878. Attributed to John Linneau Marcke. Newcastle-upon-Tyne: J. W. Chater, 1878.

Three uncoloured lithographs on separate, unbacked sheets, each bearing the blue oval stamp of J. W. Chater, publisher and wholesale stationer, 89 Clayton Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Comprising:

"Great Quoit Match in South Northumberland. April 17, 1878." Sheet 440 x 285 mm. Several creases, a couple of pinholes and occasional foxing; mounting residue to reverse. Good condition.

"Cheap Beef versus Dear Beef." Sheet 510 x 370 mm. Toned and creased, with several tears to the upper and lower edges, loss to the lower left corner and small losses associated with pinholes. Reverse with an old repair around the corner loss, archival tape along the upper and lower edges, and mounting residue. Acceptable condition. "Shipwreck of the Old England." Sheet 500 x 320 mm. Creased, with mounting residue and tape in two places to reverse. Very good condition.

A group of contemporary election satires addressing temperance, food prices and foreign policy during the closely fought contest between Conservative Edward Ridley and Liberal Albert Grey. The initial count produced a tie of 2,912 votes each, and both candidates' names were returned; following election proceedings, Grey's name was removed from the return in July, leaving Ridley elected.

Chater specialised in popular local publishing, including humorous annuals, dialect literature and political prints. Chater's collaboration with John Linneau Marcke supported a brief period of large-format political satire produced locally in Newcastle, drawing on the city's personalities and electoral contests. Marcke died in 1884 and Chater the following year and with it this distinctive local venture was cut short.