A flight across the herring pool.

A political satire of the Act for the Union of Great Britain and Ireland, passed in 1800, which created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and merged the British and Irish legislatures into a single Parliament of the United Kingdom after 1 January 1801.

This engraving, enhanced with gouache, depicts British Prime Minister William Pitt encouraging the flight of Irish MPs, thereby effectively abolishing the Irish Parliament, whilst Home Secretary Henry Dundas sits upon the various governors and commissioners, placing them under the direct control of the government in London and thus quelling any potential desire for revolt.

Condition: stains and discolouration

Framed and under glass

25.5 x 30.5 cm max with frame