A vision of the (near) future, WW1 cartoon by H. M Bateman
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A vision of the (near) future, WW1 cartoon by H. M Bateman
H.M. Bateman comments amusingly on the prospect of cars driven entirely by coal gas, with the result of overcharging being that the car floats off into the atmosphere. Date: 1917
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Media ID 14231102
© Estate of H M Bateman/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library
Auto Automobile Automobiles Automotive Autos Bateman Coal Floats Future Motorist Motors Result Vision
EDITORS COMMENTS
A Vision of the (Near) Future: H.M. Bateman's WWI-Era Satirical Take on Coal Gas-Powered Cars (1917) This intriguing print, titled "A Vision of the (Near) Future," is a satirical cartoon by the renowned British illustrator, H.M. Bateman, published in 1917 during the height of the First World War. Bateman, known for his humorous and insightful commentary on contemporary life, playfully pokes fun at the prospect of cars being powered entirely by coal gas. In this image, a well-dressed rich man, seated in his motorcar, is shown anxiously checking his gas gauge as his vehicle begins to lift off the ground. The cause of this unexpected event? Overcharging the coal gas tank. Bateman's witty commentary on the potential hazards of this new technology is both amusing and prescient, as it foreshadows the eventual shift towards more efficient and less volatile forms of automotive fuel. The cartoon's title, "A Vision of the (Near) Future," underscores Bateman's ability to anticipate the trajectory of technological advancements. The image of a car floating off into the atmosphere, despite the apparent danger, is a testament to the allure and promise of innovation, even in its most unrefined form. This print, with its clever observation of the coal gas-powered car's limitations, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and serves as a reminder of the often unpredictable nature of technological progress. As we continue to grapple with the challenges and opportunities of the future, Bateman's satirical take on the past provides a valuable perspective on the human capacity for both innovation and humor.
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