Key to The Anti-Slavery Society Convention, 1840

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Key to The Anti-Slavery Society Convention, 1840

list of sitters in the picture by Benjamin Robert Haydon
letterpress, 1880
18 in. x 29 7/8 in. (458 mm x 758 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D20519

Artistback to top

  • Benjamin Robert Haydon (1786-1846), History painter and diarist. Artist or producer associated with 34 portraits, Sitter in 10 portraits.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG D20516: 'The Abolition of the Slave Trade' (The Anti-Slavery Society Convention, 1840) (from same plate)
  • NPG D23546: 'The Abolition of the Slave Trade' (The Anti-Slavery Society Convention, 1840) (from same plate)
  • NPG D23547: Key to The Anti-Slavery Society Convention, 1840 (from same plate)
  • NPG 599: The Anti-Slavery Society Convention, 1840 (source portrait)
  • NPG D20517: Key to The Anti-Slavery Society Convention, 1840 (from same plate)
  • NPG D20518: Key to The Anti-Slavery Society Convention, 1840 (from same plate)
  • NPG D20520: Key to The Anti-Slavery Society Convention, 1840 (from same plate)
  • NPG D32033: 'The Abolition of the Slave Trade' (The Anti-Slavery Society Convention, 1840) (from same plate)

Events of 1880back to top

Current affairs

The Liberals defeat the Conservatives, and Gladstone becomes Prime Minister for the second time, taking over from Disraeli, who retires from politics.
The MP for Northampton and atheist Charles Bradlaugh, refuses to swear on the Bible and so forfeits his right to take his seat. Despite having the support of Gladstone and J.S Mill, it takes six years before he can take his seat, after which he pushes through a new Oaths Act (1888).

Art and science

Thomas Huxley delivers his address 'Science and Culture' at the opening of Josiah Mason's science college in Birmingham (published the following year). Huxley argues that the study of modern literature, combined with knowledge of science, should be promoted in education above classical literature, echoing the claim made by the poet and critic Matthew Arnold. Huxley, an early advocate of 'Darwinism', did much to popularise evolutionary theory.

International

Buenos Aires finally becomes the permanent capital of Argentina, following sixty years of political debates around the issue. The city was federalised, politically separated from the Buenos Aires Province, and placed under direct control of the national government.
Despite allegations of vote buying, Cecil Rhodes is elected member of parliament for Barkly West in the Cape Colony, marking the start of his political career in South Africa.

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