Williams (Charles)

, S.W. Fores, 1818. A social satire on the visit of Queen Charlotte to take the waters at Bath in November, 1817, when her younger son, the Duke of Clarence, later William IV, was also there. It depicts the ailing queen sitting in an armchair by the rope cordon to the pump, wearing a large veiled bonnet and colourful shawl, holding out a goblet exclaiming ‘Oh! my belly! my belly! Oh the water the water!’. Before her stand two ladies encouraging her to add some of the Old Tom strong gin they hold, while her son leans on the back of her chair, recommending brandy instead. All around stands a large crowd straining to catch a glimpse, but generally commenting there’s little to see or that she looks no better than ‘Oul Granny’. The print was published in the following February.. 270 by 380mm (10¾ by 15 inches).