Flask, spirit flask

This spirit flask commemorates the passing of the Great Reform Act of 1832. When the Whig prime minister Lord Grey first introduced the reform bill in 1830 it was defeated in the House of Lords. After massive popular unrest the bill was re-introduced and finally became law on 7 June 1832. Lord Brougham was a key player in securing the bill's passage through the House of Lords.

Electoral reform along with repeal of the hated Corn Laws was supported by both working class Britons and the industrial middle class who wanted to increase their political and economic power over the Tory aristocracy. The reforms gave the vote to tenant farmers in the counties, but also to middle class householders in towns who became the mass support base for the Liberal Party.

Lord Brougham is shown on the flask holding a banner bearing the humorous slogan 'the true spirit of reform'. Spirit flasks of this type were often produced to commemorate significant events or people. This one was sold containing 'Brougham's Reform Cordial' by a wine and spirit merchant in Holborn.