William Wilberforce
(1759-1833), Philanthropist and reformerRegency Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter associated with 33 portraits
An evangelical Christian and social reformer, Wilberforce dedicated himself to the 'suppression of the Slave Trade and the reformation of manners'. He entered Parliament in 1780 as a Tory MP and was the Parliamentary leader of the Abolition movement from 1787. After years of campaigning, Wilberforce's bill to end Britain's part in slave trading was passed to a standing ovation in 1807. A further act of 1833 provided for the emancipation of slaves in British colonies. Wilberforce was plagued by illness for most of his adult life developing ulcerative colitis in his 20s and a curvature of the spine in his 50s which resulted in him wearing a metal support to maintain his head position.
'Bruin in his boat, - or - the manager in distress'
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 20 June 1806
NPG D12869
by James Heath, published by William Finden, published by John Hatchard, published by William Russell, after John Russell
line engraving, published 1807
NPG D37511
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching and aquatint, published 22 February 1809
NPG D12917
'The life of William Cobbett - written by himself. No 6'
by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 29 September 1809
NPG D12929
by Henry Edridge, published by T. Cadell & W. Davies, after Giovanni Vendramini
stipple engraving, published 27 October 1809
NPG D15828
by Edward Scriven, published by and after Joseph Slater
stipple engraving, published 10 April 1816
NPG D37513
The Milan Garland or Revels round the Vice Post
by Charles Williams, published by John Johnston
hand-coloured etching, published July 1820
NPG D46028
by William Say, after Joseph Slater
mezzotint, published 18 April 1820
NPG D11346
by William Say, published by and after Joseph Slater
mezzotint, published 18 April 1820
NPG D19023
by (Isaac) Robert Cruikshank, published by George Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published May 1821
NPG D48680
by Samuel Cousins, after George Richmond
mezzotint, published 1834 (1833)
NPG D32192
Heroes of the Slave Trade Abolition
by Unknown artist
wood engraving, mid-late 19th century
NPG D9338
published by Kings Town Photocodes Limited, after George Richmond, after Sir Thomas Lawrence
photographic reproduction, circa 1983 (1828)
NPG D37510
Related People
- Agnes Everilda Mary Froude (née Wilberforce) (granddaughter)
- Albert Basil Orme Wilberforce (grandson)
- (Bertrand) Arthur Henry Wilberforce (grandson)
- Caroline Mary Wilberforce (granddaughter)
- Ernest Roland Wilberforce (grandson)
- Henry Edward Wilberforce (grandson)
- Henry William Wilberforce (son)
- Reginald Garton Wilberforce (grandson)
- Samuel Wilberforce (son)
- Wilfrid Ignatius Wilberforce (grandson)
- William Wilberforce (son)
- William Francis Wilberforce (grandson)
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