Home > Arts > Artists > H > William Heath
A (Y)appy Idea! by William Heath Robinson, WWI rationing
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
A (Y)appy Idea! by William Heath Robinson, WWI rationing
The Ventrimetric System: Rational weights and measures for use in hotels, restaurants, and clubs for the limitation of appetites. One contraption restricts the diner by measuring his expanding waistline, while another, rather embarrassing solution, is to parp a warning once a diner exceeds a certain weight. A humorous comment on the introduction of rationing in Britain during the First World War. The title of the cartoon is a kit on the name of Arthur Yapp. Sir Arthur Yapp (1869-1936) was Deputy President of the YMCA and Director of Food Economy during the First World War. Date: 1917
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14392829
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Amusing Contraption Contraptions Control Dining Eating Machines May16 Ration Rationing Restaurant Weighing Weight
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> H
> William Heath
> Humour
> Heath Robinson
> Popular Themes
> Heath Robinson
EDITORS COMMENTS
A (Y)appy Idea!: Satirizing the Struggle with WWI Rationing in William Heath Robinson's Cartoon During the tumultuous period of the First World War, the British people faced numerous challenges, including food shortages that necessitated strict rationing. In response to this predicament, Sir Arthur Yapp, Deputy President of the YMCA and Director of Food Economy, proposed innovative solutions to help control appetites in hotels, restaurants, and clubs. William Heath Robinson, a renowned British cartoonist, captured the essence of these measures in his humorous work titled "A (Y)appy Idea!" dated 1917. In this cartoon, Heath Robinson presents two contraptions designed to limit the intake of diners, poking fun at the newly introduced rationing system. The first device measures a diner's expanding waistline, ensuring they do not overindulge. The second, more embarrassing solution, emits an unpleasant parp once a diner exceeds a certain weight. The title of the cartoon is a playful reference to Sir Arthur Yapp, who was at the forefront of implementing food control measures during the war. Heath Robinson's work not only highlights the challenges of rationing but also adds a touch of humor to the situation, making it an intriguing piece of social commentary from the era. This cartoon, with its clever use of contraptions and satire, continues to resonate with audiences today, offering a glimpse into the unique ways people coped with the hardships of wartime Britain.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
