BEIN Richards Kipling 986: Variant printed in red. From the David Alan Richards Collection of Rudyard Kipling.

BEIN Richards Kipling 2597: 42 x 46 cm. From the David Alan Richards Collection of Rudyard Kipling.

BEIN BrSides Double Folio 2020 43: Variant printed on silk (54 x 55 cm). From the David Alan Richards Collection of Rudyard Kipling.

Consists of the text Kipling's "The absent-minded beggar," with music by Arthur Sullivan, portraits of Lord Roberts and Queen Victoria, and a map of Transvaal and Orange Free State showing rail lines and roads, all printed in dark blue on a cream handkerchief. The handkerchief was sold to raise money for the Soldiers' Families Fund after the outbreak of the Second Boer War (1899-1902). The poem was specially commissioned for the Fund, and first appeared in The Daily Mail on October 31, 1899. It was given a musical score by Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert & Sullivan fame).

Despite Roberts' portrait being entwined in the title, the absent-minded beggar of Kipling's poem is the British "Tommy," forgetfully leaving their dependants in need to go off to fight for their country. The chorus of the song exhorted its audience to "pass the hat for your credit's sake, and pay, pay, pay!" The patriotic poem and song caused a sensation and was constantly performed throughout the war and beyond.

Stewart, J.M. Rudyard Kipling, page 184

Schoeser, M. Printed handkerchiefs, pages 14-15

Richards, D.A. Rudyard Kipling: a bibliography, E1-60

Roberts, Frederick Sleigh Roberts, Earl, 1832-1914 > Portraits.

Victoria, Queen of Great Britain, 1819-1901 > Portraits.

South African War, 1899-1902 > Civilian relief.

Handkerchiefs.

Cloth prints.

Printed textile materials.

Lithographs - 1899.

Textiles.