Henry Pelham
(1695?-1754), Prime MinisterEarly Georgian Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 6 portraits
A Whig statesman, who served as First Lord of the Treasury, Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1743 and Robert Walpole's successor as Prime Minister from 1743 to 1754. Pelham was in favour of peace, yet the 1740s presented several challenges including the second Jacobite uprising of 1745 led by Prince Charles Stuart and the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-48). Despite these conflicts, Pelham managed to rationalise the nation's finances, won over members of the opposition, and at last earned the confidence of George II who had previously been opposed to Pelham's appointment. In 1746, Pelham's brother, the Duke of Newcastle succeeded him as Prime Minister.
by William Hoare
oil on canvas, 1751
NPG 221
by John Shackleton
oil on canvas, circa 1752
NPG 871
by Gerhard Bockman
mezzotint, after 1743
NPG D40106
by Richard Houston, after John Shackleton
mezzotint, circa 1752
NPG D40107
by Richard Houston, after John Shackleton
mezzotint, circa 1752
NPG D40108
by Edward Harding, published by William Coxe, after Unknown artist
stipple engraving, published 1802
NPG D5491
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