Edward G. Hemmerde, K.C., M.P. — 'The New Recorder'

Leslie Ward ('Spy') presents the barrister and Liberal M.P. Edward George Hemmerde in the full regalia of the advocate off-duty: a dark morning coat with chalk-stripe trousers, white shirt with cufflinks, and a vivid purple boutonnière. One hand is raised to his temple in a rhetorical gesture; the other opens palm-upward — the classic pleader's pose. The caption 'The New Recorder' marks his recent appointment as Recorder of Liverpool. Hemmerde was a conspicuous Radical voice, championing land-value taxation and labour causes; Ward renders him sleek and self-assured, the slight elongation of limbs a gentle mockery of courtroom theatrics. No ethnic caricature is present. The composition is typical of Spy's later, relatively sympathetic manner toward Liberal parliamentarians.