by R.P. Barlow, after Henry William Pickersgill
mezzotint, published 1839
18 in. x 14 in. (456 mm x 356 mm) plate size; 21 1/8 in. x 15 1/4 in. (538 mm x 386 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
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Sitterback to top
- John Clitherow (1782-1852), Army officer; colonial administrator. Sitter in 1 portrait.
Artistsback to top
Events of 1839back to top
Current affairsThe Bedchamber crisis strains relations between the government and the monarchy, after Queen Victoria refuses to dismiss her Whig-appointed ladies of the bedchamber at the request of the new, Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Peel resigns and Melbourne returns as Prime Minister.
The Grand National is first held at the Aintree race course, won by the horse Lottery, and the first Henley Royal Regatta, the rowing event, is held on the Thames.
Art and scienceThe French and British scientists Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot separately publicise their experiments with the new form of photography.
The prolific journalist Harriet Martineau publishes her three decker novel Deerbrook, the story of middle class country life.
InternationalThe first Opium War with China is sparked after the British government refuses to try six British soldiers accused of killing a Chinese man protecting a temple from looters. Relations were strained as Britain had promoted the drug opium in China to boost trade. Winning the war, Britain secured vital trading rights.
African captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolt, resulting in a highly publicised court case.