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Tobacco Jar
c1860
This tobacco jar is fashioned to resemble an older man in an elaborate period costume.
His facial expression shows raised eyebrows and a turned down mouth.
Who was this man and what role did he have that meant he had such an elaborate costume? Are there elements of it which might be recognisable?
The costume – a long grey coat, sash, cocked hat and long staff – belong to a beadle.
Beadles were officials which carried out a range of parish functions.
The most famous beadle in English literature is Mr Bumble from Oliver Twist. Film and TV adaptations of the novel often show Mr Bumble in this costume.
What sort of person do you think he is? Our thoughts might be formed or coloured by Dickens’ depiction of Mr Bumble – cruel, pompous and bombastic.
Image
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