Uncorking Old Sherry

1792–1810

Living with his publisher Hannah Humphrey

Throughout the period of his fame Gillray lives with Miss (often called Mrs) Hannah Humphrey, his publisher and print seller, whose shop was first at 227 Strand, then in New Bond Street, then in Old Bond Street and finally in St James’s Street; his plates are exposed in her shop window, where eager crowds examine them. It is believed that he several times thinks of marrying her and that on one occasion, on their way to the church, he says this is a foolish affair, that they live very comfortably together and had better let well alone; there is no evidence to support the stories scandalmongers invent about them.

1792–1810

His peak years: political and social satires

He issues the bulk of his etched political and social satires between 1792 and 1810: the targets include George III and Queen Charlotte, the Prince of Wales, Fox, Pitt the Younger, Burke, Napoleon, prime ministers and generals, and the prints circulate throughout Britain and Europe. After examining some of the sketches the king remarks that he does not understand these caricatures, and Gillray takes his revenge with A Connoisseur Examining a Cooper, satirizing at once the king’s pretensions to knowledge of art and his miserly habits. Nearly 1000 caricatures are attributed to him, and some consider him the author of as many as 1600 or 1700.

1806

His eyesight begins to fail

His eyesight begins to fail and the spectacles he starts wearing are unsatisfactory; unable to work to his previous high standards, he becomes depressed and starts drinking heavily, and as a result of the drinking suffers from gout throughout his later life.