THE EARLY YEARS
Throughout the Punch Club’s history its sole purpose has been fellowship, having its foundation based on a discernible pattern established in the beginning, which has remained virtually unchanged throughout the decades, producing the remarkable cohesion of today. The members, the Brothers of the Bowl, are ardent in the conviction that it is only by Fellowship, mankind can prosper. The effectiveness of the Brotherhood is consolidated in this belief, with sympathetic understanding for each other, and by mutual respect.
George Cruikshank (1792 – 1878)
Scanned image by Phillip V. Allingham.
Although there are no written records of the early period of the Club, scattered references in later records substantiate its foundation circa 1837, and it is known with certainty that the foundation members were drawn from the professions of medicine, music, art, literature, entertainment and the armed forces. Many famous and well-known poets, composers, and musicians used to meet around a bowl of steaming punch to discuss the issues of the day and enjoy a sumptuous lunch. Two of those members being the caricaturists and illustrators George Cruickshank and Robert Seymour, whose most characteristic specimens of their style can be found in the original editions of the books by Charles Dickens, who is believed to have been a regular guest. Another frequent guest was Charles Louis Napoléon Bonaparte, who later became Napoléon the Third of France.
Such distinguished Forebears.