Robert Louis Stevenson

1 portrait of Robert Louis Stevenson

© reserved; collection National Portrait Gallery, London

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Robert Louis Stevenson

postcard print, 1886
5 1/2 in. x 3 1/2 in. (139 mm x 89 mm) overall
Purchased, 2015
Photographs Collection
NPG x196190

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • William John Hawker, Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.
  • William J. Hay (1863-1955), Postcard publisher. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.

Events of 1886back to top

Current affairs

The Liberals win the election after the Irish Nationalists, including John Dillon, side with them over Home Rule, and Gladstone resumes the seat of Prime Minister. The failure of the first Home Rule Bill divides the Liberal party; those opposed to Home Rule break away to form the Liberal Unionist Party, supporting the Conservatives. This results in a Liberal loss at an emergency election called, and the Marquess of Salisbury becomes Prime Minister for the second time.

Art and science

The Severn Tunnel is opened, freeing up the route between London and South Wales.
Pears' soap company buy the copyright to John Millais's painting Bubbles, using it in an iconic and enduringly recognisable advertisement. Millais, however, attracted strong criticism from the art community, who protested against the debasement and commercialisation of art.

International

The American poet Emily Dickinson dies, aged 54. Dickinson wrote over 1,700 poems, which first came to light in 1890, and is recognised as one of America's most important writers.
The Statue of Liberty, designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, is erected on Bedloe's island. The huge copper statue, a gift from the French to the United States to commemorate the centennial of American independence, is an iconic figure of liberty, and America itself.

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