CHARLES BRADLAUGH
English radical politician and advocate of secularism.
Charles Bradlaugh sat many times to my father, and proved an entertaining and patient subject, sincerely desirous that his portrait should be a true representation of himself. He discussed the troubles he was then passing through in the political arena over the oath, for which, after much contention, he was permitted to substitute an affirmation.
I remember him in his comings and goings, wearing a frock-coat and silk hat, tall and of commanding appearance, always affable and chatty.
A humorous writer of the day made fun of Mr. Bradlaugh’s advent at Madame Tussaud’s as follows:
Tremendous excitement on the admission of Mr. Bradlaugh in wax into Madame Tussaud’s establishment. Cobbett’s figure gave an extra kick of delight, and as he offered his snuff-box to the unwelcome guest he assured him that he was a friend at a pinch. Oliver Cromwell, Cranmer, and Charles I were indignant. The Russian giant is annoyed, and Tom Thumb threatens to make the place too hot for him. Figures waxing wrath!
Latest telegram from Baker Street: “Bradlaugh cool; great heat. Cromwell showing signs of melting; all melting. Sleeping Beauty undisturbed.”
The latest latest: “Threatened with the guillotine in the Chamber of Horrors if they are not quiet. Tranquillity restored.”
On many occasions it has been my office to accompany round the Exhibition visitors whose likenesses were at the time on view—always a trying ordeal.