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The Red-Tape Tangle, 1888. Artist: Joseph Swain
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The Red-Tape Tangle, 1888. Artist: Joseph Swain
The Red-Tape Tangle, 1888. The Great British Lion roars out his distress, tied down as he is by red tape and officialdom. There were many complaints at the time that the increasing amount of red tape was preventing progress, both on a national and local level. From Punch, or the London Charivari, June 16, 1888
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Media ID 14832077
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
British Lion Distressed Government Heritage Image Partnership John Tenniel Joseph Swain Lion Officialdom Restricted Sir John Tenniel Swain Tangled Tenniel Tied Tied Up Trapped Allegorical Figure Metaphor Roar Roaring
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The Red-Tape Tangle, 1888
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a powerful visual representation of the frustrations and limitations caused by excessive bureaucracy in late 19th-century Britain. Created by renowned artists Joseph Swain and John Tenniel, this monochrome engraving captures the essence of political distress through an allegorical figure: the Great British Lion. In this thought-provoking image, the majestic lion finds itself tied down and restricted by red tape, symbolizing the overwhelming presence of officialdom and government regulations. The lion's roar echoes its deep frustration as it struggles to break free from its entanglement. This clever metaphor reflects widespread complaints at that time about how excessive red tape hindered progress on both national and local levels. The intricate details within this caricature showcase Swain's artistic prowess while highlighting his satirical approach towards societal issues. Through his skilled use of black and white tones, he emphasizes the tangled mess created by bureaucratic restrictions. "The Red-Tape Tangle" serves as a poignant reminder of historical challenges faced during an era when innovation was stifled due to cumbersome administrative processes. As we reflect upon this heritage image partnership between Swain and Tenniel, we are reminded that even in our modern world, it is crucial to strike a balance between necessary regulations and fostering progress for the betterment of society.
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