Leaflet

This leaflet entitled 'Royal Condescension' portrays Queen Victoria visiting a 'deaf mute' woman with whom she is communicating using sign language. Inside are drawings showing the sign language alphabet. The back carries an illustration of 'A Deaf Mute Wedding'. The leaflet was published in Brixton by J. Austin and cost one penny. The text relates how in 1874 the Queen was in the habit of visiting a deaf mute named Mrs B. Tuffield on the Isle of Wight, communicating by means of the 'finger alphabet'. It also gives advice on how to avoid deafness, including suggesting that parents and teachers do not box children's ears, and identifies well known individuals who achieved success despite their deafness.