The Conference (BM 1868,0808.9802)

Satire from the Oxford Magazine 1769 concerning the clash of political interest between Thomas Harley and William Beckford, both MPs for the City of London. Beckford stands on the left in mayoral robes facing Harley and saying “Receive Instruction & not Silver” he holds a paper lettered “They have a Right to give us Instructions” Harley, a Merchant Taylor, holds a tailor’s goose, a soldier’s coat and shears, and responds “Teach us our Lesson! Are we then School Boys? Rather cut asunder my Thread of Life”. The figures are enclosed by a frame with pillars surmounted by the heads of putti. On the side by Beckford is a small English rose; on Harley’s side is a Scottish thistle to indicate his support for Bute.
Beneath the image in letter-press is INSTRUCTIONS Given to Sir ROBERT LADBROKE, Knt. WILLIAM BECKFORD, Esq; the Right Hon. THOMAS HARLEY, Esq; and BARLOW TRECOTHICK, Esq; REPRESENTATIVES of the City of London: By their CONSTITUENTS. And two columns of fourteen articles largely designed to oppose current government policy and alleged practices. These are signed CHARLES CLAVEY Chairman of the Common Hall. Guildhall, Feb. 10, 1769.

Etching and letterpress