CDV-format albumen print showing minister who has been shut down in mid-sermon by a "Patent Pulpit" resembling a giant candle snifter (with clockwork timer?). Imprinted front "The Patent Pulpit. Suggested to Congregations for the Sudden extinguishing of Dundreary Sermons." This image is the work of a prolific photographer of English comic scenes, Michael Burr, and was registered for copyright on Oct. 15,1862. Price: $150. ( Inventory# ie239 )
Like some other examples of Burr's work, this photograph was inspired by a period illustration, in this case the cartoon "Patent Pulpits" published in Punch magazine, July 25 1862, (vol. 43, page 38).