Alfred, Lord Tennyson
1 portrait by James Spedding
- Overview
- Extended Catalogue Entry
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
attributed to James Spedding
pencil, circa 1831
7 3/4 in. x 5 1/2 in. (197 mm x 140 mm)
Purchased, 1955
Primary Collection
NPG 3940
Sitterback to top
- Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson (1809-1892), Poet Laureate. Sitter in 97 portraits.
Artistback to top
- James Spedding (1808-1881), Author and editor of the works of Francis Bacon. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait, Sitter in 3 portraits.
This portraitback to top
This drawing was found inserted into an edition of Tennyson's Works in the 1950s and is generally accepted as being by James Spedding, who made a similar, informal drawing of Tennyson reading in 1835. Tennyson and Spedding met as undergraduates at Trinity College, Cambridge and remained close friends until Spedding's death in 1881.
Linked publicationsback to top
- Ormond, Richard, Early Victorian Portraits, 1973, p. 450
- Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 608
- Truss, Lynn, Tennyson and his Circle, 2015, p. 30
- Truss, Lynne, Character Sketches: Tennyson and His Circle, 1999, p. 15
Events of 1831back to top
Current affairs
Parliamentary Reform Bill is rejected by the House of Lords prompting riots in Nottingham, Derby and Bristol.Art and science
Michael Faraday demonstrates electromagnetic induction.Death of Lady Sarah Ponsonby, last of the famous Ladies of Llangollen who attracted many of the leading names in art and literature to visit them at their home in Plas Newydd, Wales.
Opening of New London Bridge, designed by John Rennie.
International
Violinist Niccolo Paganini arrives in England from Italy and embarks on a six month tour of the country after astonishing London audiences with his virtuoso performances.Revolutionary outbreaks in Modena, Parma and the Papal States influenced by the July Revolution in France the previous year.
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