A Family Piece

published by William Dickinson, after Henry William Bunbury
stipple engraving, published 1781
15 1/2 in. x 11 3/4 in. (394 mm x 299 mm) plate size
Purchased, 2005
Reference Collection
NPG D21380

Artistsback to top

Henry William Bunbury (1750-1811), Artist and caricaturist. Artist or producer associated with 4 portraits, Sitter in 4 portraits.
William Dickinson (1746-1823), Engraver and printseller. Artist or producer associated with 84 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Pulling Faces (24 June 2006 - 3 December 2006)

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1781back to top

Current affairs

American painter John Singleton Copley, now resident in London, completes his celebrated painting The Death of the Earl of Chatham, depicting the collapse of William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham on 7 April 1778, during a debate in the House of Lords on the American War of Independence.
William Pitt the Younger, later Prime Minister, enters Parliament.

Art and science

Astronomer William Herschel discovers Uranus, the first planet to be found by means of a telescope, and names it Georgium Sidus (George's Star) in honour of George III.
Artist and theatre designer Philip James De Loutherbourg presents his innovative miniature mechanical theatre, the Eidophusikon, at his house in Soho, London.

International

American War of Independence: British general Charles Cornwallis is forced to surrender at Yorktown. Maryland ratifies the Articles of Confederation - the last state to do so - completing 'the Confederation of the United States'.
Zong Massacre: 133 Africans are thrown overboard the slave ship Zong on the orders of a British slave-trader who then attempts to reclaim their value from insurers. The case becomes a landmark in the fight for abolition.

Tell us more back to top

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