Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey

Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, attributed to Thomas Phillips, circa 1820 - NPG 4137 - © National Portrait Gallery, London

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey

attributed to Thomas Phillips
oil on canvas, circa 1820
50 1/4 in. x 39 3/4 in. (1276 mm x 1010 mm)
Purchased, 1960
Primary Collection
NPG 4137

Sitterback to top

Artistback to top

  • Thomas Phillips (1770-1845), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 215 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Shown here with his peer's robes, Grey was a traditional Whig aristocrat who was neither a radical nor republican. He saw reform as a means of preserving a balanced constitution and deflecting revolution in Britain. His moderate politics and clever strategy helped finally quell divisions in the party and secure the Reform Bill's passage.

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Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1820back to top

Current affairs

George III dies at Windsor Castle on 29 January and George IV ascends to the throne.
'Trial of Queen Caroline' in the House of Lords; Parliament drops the Bill which was to legitimise a divorce between Caroline and George IV.
Cato Street Conspiracy to assassinate the cabinet discovered. Arthur Thistlewood and fellow conspirators are hung.

Art and science

Sir Thomas Lawrence becomes President of the Royal Academy.
Astronomical Society is set up by John Herschel and Charles Babbage.
First iron steamship is launched.

International

Actor, Edmund Kean goes on a successful tour of America after making his name at the Drury Lane Theatre.
Revolutions begin in Spain, Portugal and Naples.
The famous ancient Greek statue of the Venus de Milo is rediscovered on the Island of Melos and purchased by the Louvre in Paris.

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