Pockets Gallery

Bessie Bonehill music hall male impersonator 1855-1902

Bessie Bonehill started on the halls as a clog dancer as part of the Sisters Bonehill act and became a male impersonator. Jaunty pose with hands in pockets. Dressed as a swell or man about town wearing a black evening suit, wing collar, top hat and boots. Popular as a male impersonator singing patriotic songs. Date: circa 1890s

© MonoMania Images / Mary Evans Picture Library

The Railway King! Down Upon Him!

The Railway King! Down Upon Him! Satirical cartoon mocking the downfall of railway financier George Hudson. He is held upside-down by a bird - perhaps a crow or raven - dressed as a judge, while money falls out of his pockets. In 1853 Hudson lost three court cases brought against him and became bankrupt. Date: 1853

© Mary Evans Picture Library

Hand-painted Example of ?Birks Grotesques?

?Conchy?. Ceramic figurine manufactured by Birks, Rawlins and Company Limited at the Vine Pottery, Stoke on Trent, 1914-1918 (c). Hand-painted Example of ?Birks Grotesques?, it shows a satirical impression of a conscientious objector in civilian dress with his hands in his pockets, wearing a sports cap inscribed ?conchy?. Associated with World War One, Home Front (1914-1918). Date: circa 1918

© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library