Punch Cartoons

Scope and Content

Section includes Punch cartoons concerning J. H. Whitley's election as Speaker ('The Penalty of Greatness'), his re-election during four different Prime Minister's period of office ('The Arms of The Chair'), his ability to referee Parliament ('A Fellow Feeling'), his retirement from the Speakership ('The Referee's Farewell') and his work as BBC Chairman ('B. B. Secrecy').

Each cartoon has various documents relating to it.

'The Penalty of Greatness', a cartoon commenting on J. H. Whitley's reluctance to become Speaker, has the corresponding article from Punch magazine.

'The Arms of The Chair', a cartoon commenting on J. H. Whitley's re-election as speaker under four Prime Ministers, includes related notes written by Oliver Whitley explaining the meaning behind the cartoon.

'A Fellow Feeling', commenting on J. H. Whitley's control of rough play in Parliament, also includes related notes written by Oliver Whitley explaining the meaning behind the cartoon.

'The Referee's Farewell', commenting on J. H. Whitley's retirement from the Speakership, again includes notes written by Oliver Whitley, as well as notes written by the House of Commons Library, various photographs relating to the cartoon and an assortment of extracts from Punch magazine.

'B. B. Secrecy', commenting on J. H. Whitley's clash with Lloyd George, Chamberlain and Churchill over their exclusion from 'The Debate Continues', includes corresponding press cuttings, a letter and a memo, a programme list for 'The Debate Continues' and an extract from the BBC Yearbook 1934.

Access Information

Original available for consultation by appointment