The Rt. Hon. Harold Wilson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, as a doctor using a syringe to inject an "Everything is perfect" drug. Oil painting by Hugh B., 1970, after Cummings.
- Cummings, Michael, 1919-1997.
- Date:
- 1970
- Reference:
- 44255i
- Pictures
About this work
Description
Wilson wears a double-breasted Gannex raincoat (which looks like a doctor's white coat) and holds a big syringe. The depiction attributes complacency to him in the runup to the General Election of June 1970, in which, to the surprise of many, he was defeated by the Conservative Party under Edward Heath. He was subsequently knighted, and then ennobled as Baron Wilson of Rievaulx. He died in 1995
Publication/Creation
1970.
Physical description
1 painting on board laid down on wood : oil or acrylic ; board and wood 22.8 x 18.5 cm
Lettering
"Everything is perfect" drug ; Norman ; Hugh B. May, 1970.
Signed on the verso in cursive script "Hugh B. May, 1970", preceded by the name "Norman" in Roman capitals. The inscription suggests that Hugh B. painted the picture and presented it to "Norman"
Reference
Wellcome Collection 44255i
Reproduction note
After: a cartoon by Cummings in the Daily Express, 29 April 1970, in which Wilson points the syringe at the reclining figure of Britannia and says "Don't worry about the hangover, my dear. It will only last five years."
Type/Technique
Languages
Where to find it
Location Status Access Closed storesNote