Charles Townley

1 portrait by James Tassie

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Charles Townley

by James Godby, after James Tassie
stipple engraved copper plate, 1812
9 1/8 in. x 5 5/8 in. (231 mm x 143 mm)
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D17009

Sitterback to top

  • Charles Townley (1737-1805), Collector of ancient marbles. Sitter in 3 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • James Godby (active 1790-1815), Printmaker. Artist or producer associated with 44 portraits.
  • James Tassie (1735-1799), Medallist. Artist or producer associated with 19 portraits.

Related worksback to top

Events of 1812back to top

Current affairs

Prime Minister Spencer Perceval is assassinated in the lobby of the House of Commons by a bankrupt named John Bellingham. A new administration is formed under Lord Liverpool.
The Toleration Act is passed giving greater freedom of worship to dissenters in order to ensure their political loyalty.

Art and science

Actress Sarah Siddons retires from the London stage. Her final appearance is as Lady Macbeth, the role that made her famous, but the performance has to end after the sleepwalking scene because of the fervour of the audience.
Building of Regent's Canal begins under John Rennie.

International

United States declares war on Britain over grievances arising from British naval conduct in the French wars. American plan for attack on Canada fails and British troops under Sir Edward Pakenham force surrender of Detroit.
Wellington defeats French at Salamanca and enters Madrid.
Napoleon leads France in disastrous Russian campaign.

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