The Coalition Ministry, 1854

The Coalition Ministry, 1854, by Sir John Gilbert, 1855 - NPG 1125 - © National Portrait Gallery, London

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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The Coalition Ministry, 1854

by Sir John Gilbert
pencil, pen and ink and wash, 1855
17 1/2 in. x 27 in. (445 mm x 686 mm)
Purchased, 1898
Primary Collection
NPG 1125

Artistback to top

  • Sir John Gilbert (1817-1897), Painter and illustrator. Artist associated with 10 portraits, Sitter associated with 16 portraits.

Sittersback to top

This portraitback to top

The coalition ministry, under the leadership of the Earl of Aberdeen, came to power in 1854. This engraving shows Aberdeen's cabinet deciding upon the expedition to the Crimea in the early months of that year. Palmerston, on the right, is seen pointing at the town of Balaclava on a map held open by the Duke of Newcastle, while Gladstone, on the left, holds a letter on his knee.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG 1125a: Engraving after 'The Coalition Ministry, 1854' (after)

Linked publicationsback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1855back to top

Current affairs

Palmerston becomes Prime Minister, leading a coalition government after Lord Aberdeen loses a vote of confidence over his handling of the Crimean war. Known by the nickname 'Lord Pumicestone' for his abrasive style, Palmerston is the oldest prime minister in history to take up the post for the first time at the age of 71.
Stamp duty on newspapers is abolished, creating the mass media market in the UK as newspapers became more widely and cheaply available.

Art and science

Following a trip through the Holy Land to the Dead Sea, William Holman Hunt begins his symbolically-laden painting The Scapegoat.
John Millais marries Effie Gray, previously John Ruskin's wife, after their marriage was annulled that year.
The social theorist and sociologist Herbert Spencer and philosopher G. H. Lewes, publishes Principles of Pyschology, exploring a physiological basis to psychology.

International

The Fall of Sebastopol in the Crimean war, as Russia retreats, and the exhaustion of the Turkish alliance means the war nears its end. Despite being rebuffed by Florence Nightingale's team of nurses, Jamaican-born nurse Mary Seacole travels to the Crimea, opening a 'British Hotel' for sick and injured soldiers. She gains significant attention and praise for her nursing work.

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