6: ED WARDIAN CARTOONISTS
The Slave to Habit The toastmaster is responsible for the running of public speaking events, keeping proceedings on schedule and introducing guests and speakers. In 1884, toastmaster William Knightsmith introduced wearing a red tailcoat, in order to distinguish himself from the guests and other speakers. As the sobriety of the toastmaster was of utmost importance, many used the ‘toastmaster’s glass’, a vessel designed to look similar to the other glasses used at a particular event, but that had a much lower capacity due to an almost solid interior. As recognition of the importance of the toastmaster grew, small toastmaster clubs began to form in the United States after 1904. In October 1924, Toastmasters International was formed in California, the first permanent organisation dedicated to the development of toastmasters.
95 THE SLAVE TO HABIT OUR ARTIST GIVES US A TRAGIC EXAMPLE OF HOW THE DUTIES OF A PROFESSIONAL TOASTMASTER MAY AFFECT THE EVEN TENOR OF HIS WAY TO A QUITE REMARKABLE EXTENT
signed with monogram and inscribed with extensive captions inscribed ‘A day in the life of a Toastmaster (we are creatures of habit)’ on separate panel pencil 15 x 11 3⁄4 inches Illustrated: The Bystander, 30 July 1924, page 289
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