The Comforts of a Rumford Stove

Print. hand-coloured etching and stipple engraving, The Comforts of a Rumford Stove / J. Gillray des & fect. ad vivam. - Published June 12th 1800, by H. Humphrey 27 St James's Street. - [London], 1800. Etching, col.; image 25x20cm on sheet 28x23.5cm. Headed t.r.: Vide Dr G-rn-ts lectures. Satire depicting Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford (1753-1816), founder of the Royal Institution in 1799 and inventor of domestic and cookware improvements, economical heating, etc. Rumford is full length profile to R standing warming his coat tails in front of a domestic fire grate which does not quite work, as black smoke emanates from, not up, the chimney. On a wall shelf are a cookpot and coffee pot. The reference is to Dr Thomas Garnett, lecturer at the RI but in disagreement with Rumford. The award of Count, or Graf, was given by the Elector of Bavaria to Rumford, who is wearing German style boots and a sash of an Order. [BM9565]