King William IV

1 portrait of King William IV

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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King William IV

by Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey
pencil, 1830
17 1/8 in. x 13 1/8 in. (435 mm x 333 mm)
Given by Mrs George Jones, 1871
Primary Collection
NPG 316a(142)

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  • King William IV (1765-1837), Reigned 1830-37. Sitter associated with 175 portraits.

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Annotated: 'Drawing from King William IV with a Camera Lucida ten days after his accession to the throne'. The bust was completed the next year, and is at Penshurst Place.
Chantrey designed the profile of the king that appeared on the coinage, possibly based on this drawing. He also made a bust of the king, that was widely praised for preserving 'a very strong likeness, and without gross flattery and to give a kingly air to it'. King William was George IV's brother, and is said to have treated Chantrey as a friend, giving him an official role as royal sculptor in 1831. Chantrey was knighted during his reign.

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Current affairs

George IV dies at Windsor on 26 June; William IV succeeds to the throne.
Duke of Wellington resigns as Prime Minister to be succeeded by Earl Grey.
'Captain Swing' disturbances among agricultural districts in southern England. Taking their name from a mythical leader, hundreds of labourers break the threshing machines that threaten their winter employment.

Art and science

Liverpool and Manchester Railway opens; MP William Huskisson is run down by a train and killed at the inaugural ceremony.
William Cobbett publishes Rural Rides; a nostalgic tribute to the English countryside which expresses dismay at the sweeping changes taking place.

International

July Revolution in France overthrows the Bourbon dynasty. Charles X goes into exile in England and Louis Philippe, Duc d'Orleans is proclaimed King by the Chamber of Deputies who fear European opposition to the declaration of a second Republic.

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