Basil Smith (British, B. 1925). "The Laughing Policeman" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media/Watercolor painting on Hot Press Illustration Board.Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Westminster Collector's Society 20p Laughing Policeman stamp issued February 6, 1990.In 1829, British statesman Robert Peel succeeded in reforming the criminal laws of Britain and established the London Police Force. Its members, known as Bobbies or Peelers, were viewed with suspicion from the very beginning. There was much opposition at the time from the laboring class because policemen were seen as enforcers of an unjust and restrictive society. With their tall hats, stiff uniforms, and menacing billy clubs, the stern-faced Bobbies were thought to be inept, surly, and decidedly humorless. So, in some respects, the term "laughing policeman" is an ironic misnomer. Policemen were rarely seen laughing. Such light-hearted behavior would be considered unseemly and might cause a policeman to lose his job. The only place it appeared safe for a policeman to laugh was on stage in the Music Hall. An entertainer who got his start in the Music Hall and who was known anonymously as the "Laughing Policeman," was celebrated for singing a livelyic song broken up by fits of raucous laughter. Indeed, there is nothing funny about many of the crimes policemen are required to enforce. But for smaller offenses like parking violations or jaywalking, policemen have been known to have a sense of humor.Image Size: 6 x 7 in.Overall Size: 9 x 10 in.Unframed.(B12344)