John William Colenso
(1814-1883), Bishop of NatalSitter associated with 13 portraits
Colenso was appointed as the first Bishop of Natal in 1853. He was exceptional among Anglican bishops in Africa in considering the needs of indigenous people above those of the white settlers. He translated the New Testament into Zulu and wrote the first English-Zulu dictionary. His nonconformist views, including toleration of native traditions such as polygamy, made him a highly controversial figure. He was the most outspoken critic of the invasion of Zululand in 1879. His campaigning helped turn British public opinion against the war and, following the Zulu defeat, his intervention helped secure King Cetshwayo's reception with Queen Victoria in 1882.
by Samuel Sidley
oil on canvas, 1866
NPG 1080
by Maull & Co
albumen carte-de-visite, 1860s
NPG Ax18352
by Horatio Nelson King
albumen carte-de-visite, 1860s
NPG Ax7460
by Ernest Edwards
albumen print, 1863-1867
NPG x6310
by Unknown photographer
woodburytype, 1870s
NPG Ax7641
by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company
albumen carte-de-visite, 1870s
NPG x6307
by Unknown photographer
woodburytype, 1870s
NPG Ax16233
Various Bishops and Archbishops
by and after Elliott & Fry
bromide print, 1890s
NPG Ax139909
possibly after Samuel Sidley
pencil, (1866?)
NPG D21658
John William Colenso ('Men of the Day. No. 92.')
by Carlo Pellegrini
chromolithograph, published in Vanity Fair 28 November 1874
NPG D43668
by Unknown photographer
albumen carte-de-visite, 1860s-1870s
NPG Ax38747
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