William Pitt ('Blindmans-buff - or - too many for John Bull')

1 portrait of William Pitt

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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William Pitt ('Blindmans-buff - or - too many for John Bull')

by James Gillray, published by Hannah Humphrey
hand-coloured etching, published 12 June 1795
10 1/8 in. x 13 3/4 in. (258 mm x 350 mm) paper size
Purchased, 1947
Reference Collection
NPG D12531

Sittersback to top

  • John Bull (active 1712-present), Fictitious epitomist of Englishness and British imperialism. Sitter associated with 151 portraits.
  • William Pitt (1759-1806), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 174 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • James Gillray (1756-1815), Caricaturist. Artist or producer associated with 887 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
  • Hannah Humphrey (circa 1745-1818), Publisher and printseller. Artist or producer associated with 720 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

Placesback to top

Events of 1795back to top

Current affairs

George, Prince of Wales is forced to marry Caroline Amelia Elizabeth of Brunswick, despite having secretly married Maria Fitzherbert in 1785.
Widespread rioting prompts the introduction of the Speenhamland system of welfare supplements which are linked to the price of bread.
Treasonable Practices Act is passed against open criticism of government.

Art and science

The MP Matthew Gregory 'Monk' Lewis publishes his notorious gothic novel The Monk to success and scandal because of its immoral content.
Mungo Park explores the course of the River Niger.

International

Wolfe Tone, founder of The Society of United Irishmen, departs for America after being implicated in high treason in Ireland. Exiled in Philadelphia, he soon leaves for France to ask revolutionaries for assistance.
Joseph Haydn composes the English Canzonettas during his second stay in London.

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