Print, Wood Engraving on Paper, Colored

"THE GREAT BALLOON, OR WHIG AEROSTATION." This satirical print is a comment on the passage of the Representation of the People Act of 1832, popularly known as the Whig Reform Bill. The Act sought to take seats in the House of Commons away from the "rotten bouroughs" that had played such an important role in Parliamentary elections in the 18th century and granted additional seats to growing industrial cities. Opposed by Tory members of the House of Lords, the Act is estimated to have increased the electorate by 50-80%.