30 - Group of five British satirical hand-colored etchings on wove paper by noted caricaturists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The group includes James Gillray (British, 1756-1815), Stealing off;-or-prudent Secesion, 1798, and Visiting the Sick, 1806. Also included are Thomas Rowlandson (British, 1756-1827), Bloody Boney the Carcass Butcher Left of Trade and Retiring to Scarecrow Island, 1814; Charles Williams (British, active 1797-1830), Plump to the Devil We Boldly Kick'd Both Nap and His Partner Joe, 1813; and a fifth print titled A Friendly Visit, 1814. The works are published by prominent London houses including H. Humphrey, S.W. Fores, and Thomas Tegg. Several sheets feature J. Whatman Turkey Mill watermarks. The prints are loosely housed in modern white mats with pencil and ink annotations. Sight: 10" x 14 1/4". Largest Sheet: 13 1/2" x 17".

Group of five British satirical hand-colored etchings on wove paper by noted caricaturists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The group includes James Gillray (British, 1756-1815), Stealing off;-or-prudent Secesion, 1798, and Visiting the Sick, 1806. Also included are Thomas Rowlandson (British, 1756-1827), Bloody Boney the Carcass Butcher Left of Trade and Retiring to Scarecrow Island, 1814; Charles Williams (British, active 1797-1830), Plump to the Devil We Boldly Kick'd Both Nap and His Partner Joe, 1813; and a fifth print titled A Friendly Visit, 1814. The works are published by prominent London houses including H. Humphrey, S.W. Fores, and Thomas Tegg. Several sheets feature J. Whatman Turkey Mill watermarks. The prints are loosely housed in modern white mats with pencil and ink annotations. Sight: 10" x 14 1/4". Largest Sheet: 13 1/2" x 17". Bought in London alongside the Cruikshank in Lot 24: the satirists of Samuel Johnson's England, whose wit Peter admired as much as Johnson's own. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: The collection shows signs of significant age and handling. All sheets exhibit general toning and browning consistent with age. There is scattered foxing across several prints and margins. Visible adhesive residue and tape staining are present on the margins of the sheets and the associated mats. Small pinholes are visible in the corners of several prints. The paper edges show minor wear and irregular trimming. The modern mats are loose and show some light surface soiling. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.