Squander Collection

Alpha and Omega (colour litho)
3620468 Alpha and Omega (colour litho) by Anderson, Martin " Cynicus" (1854-1932); Private Collection; (add.info.: Alpha and Omega)

An appropriate emblem for the triumphal arch of the new (Buckingham) palace
An appropriate emblem for the triumphal arch of the new palace - dedicated to the poor penny-less-priest-ridden and paralysed John Bull

Marriage a la mode, 1745; plate I. Artist: Gerard Jean-Baptiste Scotin
Marriage a la mode, 1745; plate I.The impoverished Lord Squanderfield has arranged a marriage between his son and the daughter of a wealthy alderman and merchant

Engraving depicting The dissipated habits of Chares of Athen
Chares of Athens. 4th century BC. Athenian general. Engraving depicting The dissipated habits of Chares. History of the Nations. 19th century. Colored

Advert from the National Savings Committee 1945
Rhyme and reason. Sing a song of spare cash, a song to make you sigh; Four and twenty shillings spent on a buy. When the buy was open the bug began to sing Wasn t that a lot to pay for such a foolish

Advert from the National Savings Committee 1943
Go on, buy it! Its not worth quarter the price. When he whispers in your ear, Go on, buy it ! be firm. Say No, I m going to have a little nest-egg for the time when money will buy something worth

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From Alpha to Omega, the relentless Squander Bug has haunted the annals of history, leaving a trail of extravagance and waste in its wake. Once adorned on the triumphal arch of the new Buckingham Palace, an emblem of opulence now serves as a stark reminder of the perils of profligacy. In the 18th century, Gerard Jean-Baptiste Scotin's "Marriage a la mode" depicted the lavish excesses of the aristocracy, while Cynicus' Satires exposed the dissipated habits of ancient Greece's Charon of Athens. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the Squander Bug made its presence known once more in the form of wartime advertisements from the National Savings Committee. With rationing and austerity measures in place, the Bug's insidious call to squander resources was met with a united front against frivolous spending. In the face of adversity, the British public rallied together to save for the war effort, leaving the Squander Bug wanting in its tracks. Yet, even today, the Bug remains a cautionary tale, lurking in the shadows, waiting to tempt us with its allure of instant gratification. Be on guard, and let us continue to fight the good fight against waste and excess.