Bidspirit auction | William Heath, A Pair of

William Heath, A Pair of Hand-Colored Satirical Etchings - This pair of hand-colored satirical etchings on paper was produced by the prominent British caricaturist William Heath. The first print, titled IT'S A TRUE BILL !!!, is signed in the plate at the bottom left W Heath. It is inscribed at the bottom right Pub 12 March 1831 - by T. McLean 26 Haymarket. The composition depicts a central male figure in Regency-era dress holding a document labeled REFORM, referencing the political climate surrounding the Reform Act of 1832. The second print is titled THE GUARD WOT LOOKS ARTER THE SOVEREIGN. It features Heath’s characteristic Paul Pry monogram at the bottom left, consisting of a small figure with a walking stick. It is inscribed at the bottom right Pub April 26 1829 by T. McLean 26 Haymarket, with a secondary smaller inscription below reading caricature daily Pub. The print shows a stout coachman in heavy outerwear holding a horn, accompanied by a speech bubble reading I says to our Governor says I - keep your eye on them ere Leaders George. Both works are executed using etching with vibrant original hand-coloring. The impressions are clear, although the plate marks are obscured by the current framing. The prints are housed in modern gilt-finished wood frames with glass glazing. The reverse of each frame is finished with particle board and features a small white inventory sticker labeled P2202. Visible sheet size approximately: 12.5 x 9 inches Frame size approximately: 15.5 x 12 inches.