Very Cold Outside Eh? Why I'm a Perfect Icicle, Don't I look the Picture of Misery–if you have Small Beer waiter I'll take a Glass, never mind my luggage I can carry it my self
William Heath ('Paul Pry') British
Publisher Thomas McLean British
Subject Sir Robert Peel British
Not on view
We here are presented with a cold, thin passenger who has been drenched while travelling on the outside of a coach or boat (at cheaper cost). Just arrived at an inn, he now orders a glass of small beer (a type lower in alcohol), suggesting thrift. Heath created this print as part of a series titled "Sketches of Character." Contrasting images show "Inside Passengers" who are stout and prosperous (the Museum collection does not include examples of the latter). From 1827–29 Heath used the image of a little dandy holding an umbrella to sign his prints. Seen here at lower left, the emblem refers to Paul Pry, a nosy character in an 1825 play by John Poole.
