CABBY (out of patience). "There! Cumprenny; you can understand that Sure-ly!"
Punch, May 17, 1862
[cab driver having difficulty explaining fares to foreigner visiting exhibition, ed.]
EXHIBITORS AND THEIR ADVERTISEMENTS
Is it, or is it not, the fact that our grandly christened International Exhibition is intended for a sale room as well as for a show place? In justice to exhibitors as well as to the public, we really think the actual truth ought to be known, and as speedily as possible; if it be not indecorous to mention such a thing as haste to personages so exalted as the Royal Commissioners. At the world-famed Exhibition of 1851 orders, we believe, were allowed to be received, but people could not offhand buy and take away the goods exhibited. We fancied this wise rule held good in 1862, and that it was by reason of this proper prohibition that there has been built the International Bazaar, where goods may be obtained to the pattern of those which are shown across the way. But it seems we were mistaken, or, if not, there is quite clearly something wrong in the wording of this notice, which we copy from the morning papers, merely altering the names of the seller and his wares
CAUTION.- SAMUEL SHOLOMONS, JEWELLER, SILVER-SMITH, &c. to the QUEEN, begs to CAUTION all persons against making or selling any articles INFRINGING on his new PATENT for Ebony Jet-Jewellery, and also against any imitation of his Registered Gold Water-pot. He begs likewise to inform the public that he has no agents for the sale of the above-mentioned goods, which are to be obtained only at his establishment, 2,001, Blank Street; and at his Trophy at the International Exhibition.
Now, if this be really so, if MR. SHOLOMON'S' gold water-pot and other articles of jewellery arc to be obtained at his Trophy in the International Exhibition, we no longer wonder that the nave is so blockaded with these Trophies of bad taste, built up as they are to quite the height of absurdity. A conspicuous position in the Exhibition building is about the very best site for a shop in all the world, for all the world, we hear, is coming to the place. If, then, the articles exhibited are suffered to be sold there, the building cannot be regarded as an exhibition merely, but sinks into a shop. Except in point of size, there is no difference between it and an ordinary bazaar; and exhibitors would do wisely to do everything they can to win the notice of the public and hire showmen with loud voices to proclaim their power to sell.
Punch, May 17, 1862