The British butcher, supplying John Bull with a substitute for bread, vide message to Lord Mayor

Size 25cm x 35cm

Originally published by Hannah Humphrey etched by James Gillray from 'The Genuine Works of James Gillray, engraved by himself. Thomas McLean edition on heavy rag-paper from the original copper plates printed 1830.

William Pitt (right), as a butcher, stands arrogantly behind his block, holding up a leg of mutton to a hungry, lean, and dismayed John Bull, who stands with bent knees (left), his right hand groping in his breeches pocket. Pitt says: "A Crown, - take it, or leave't". His cleaver lies on his blood-stained block, on the front of which are two placards side by side:

'Prices of Provision. 1795 Journeymans Wages - 1795
Mutton 10 1/2d £b. Carpenters 12sh pr Week
Lamb 11 D° Shoemakers 10sh D°
Veal 11 1/2 D° Bakers 9sh D°
Beef 12 D° Gardeners 8sh D°
Small Beer - 2d pr Quart Smiths 8sh D°
Bread 12d Husbandmen 7sh D°
pr Quarter Loaf
God save the King'. 

Behind Pitt is the pent-house roof of the shop or stall from the front of which hang joints of meat and pieces of offal. The lower story of a house forms a background (left). John Bull wears the dress and wrinkled gaiters of a yokel. Beneath the title:

'Billy the Butcher's advice to John Bull. 
Since Bread is so dear, (and you say you must Eat,) 
For to save the Expence, you must live upon Meat; 
And as Twelve Pence the Quartern you can't pay for Bread 
Get a Crown's worth of Meat, - it will serve in its stead.' 6 July 1795