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William Edward Forster

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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William Edward Forster

by Charles Holl, after Henry Tanworth Wells
stipple engraving, 1871 or after
11 3/8 in. x 8 7/8 in. (290 mm x 226 mm) plate size; 22 3/4 in. x 17 1/2 in. (577 mm x 445 mm) paper size
Given by Grillion's Club, 1903
Reference Collection
NPG D20717

Sitterback to top

  • William Edward Forster (1818-1886), Industrialist, philanthropist and Liberal politician; MP for Bradford; son of William Forster. Sitter in 23 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Charles Holl (circa 1810-1882), Engraver. Artist associated with 28 portraits.
  • Henry Tanworth Wells (1828-1903), Miniature and portrait painter. Artist associated with 107 portraits, Sitter in 8 portraits.

Portrait setback to top

Subject/Themeback to top

Events of 1871back to top

Current affairs

Gladstone's first ministry continues with its programme of reform, with an overhaul of the civil service which is opened to public examination. The University Test Acts allow non-members of the Church of England to hold posts at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. The Trade Union Act granted full legal status to trade union organisations, although the Criminal Law Amendment Act banned picketing.
The first FA Cup competition is held.

Art and science

The Penny Farthing, the first efficient bicycle, is invented by British engineer, James Starley.
The artist James Whistler paints a portrait of his mother, calling the nearly monochromatic portrait Arrangement in Grey and Black. Although now one of Whistler's most recognisable paintings, it was nearly rejected by the Royal Academy at first.

International

France's shock defeat against Prussia radically alters Europe's status quo, leading to the deposition of Napoleon III and the creation of France's Third Republic, as well as Germany's unification and rise in military power and imperialist ambitions, as the Prussian King William I is pronounced Emperor of Germany. Further, Germany's annexing of the French regions Alsace and Lorraine provoked bitter land disputes which contributed to the outbreak of the First World War.

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