Sir George Brown
1 portrait by Thomas Lewis Atkinson
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Sir George Brown
by Thomas Lewis Atkinson, after Henry Graves
mixed-method engraving, published 1859
21 in. x 16 1/8 in. (532 mm x 408 mm) plate size; 24 5/8 in. x 18 1/4 in. (627 mm x 463 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1958
Reference Collection
NPG D32216
Artistsback to top
- Thomas Lewis Atkinson (1817-circa 1890), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 49 portraits.
- Henry Graves (1806-1892), Printseller and fine art publisher. Artist or producer associated with 48 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.
Events of 1859back to top
Current affairs
Formation of the first Liberal cabinet, following the dissolution of Parliament in light of the Liberal and opposition member Lord Russell's introduction of a resolution arguing for widening the franchise, carried because the Conservatives, the ruling party, only have a minority. Palmerston holds a meeting of Whigs, Peelites and Radicals, from which the Liberal Party is formed, and the Queen later invites him to become Prime Minister.Art and science
Charles Darwin's The Origin of the Species is published, in which he sets out his theory of evolution based on the process of natural selection, species mutation, and survival of the fittest.The engineer Joseph Bazalgette begins work on constructing the London sewerage system, following the 'Big Stink' of the preceding summer. Bazalgette's system, now extended, continues to serve London.
International
Outbreak of war between an alliance of France and Italian nationalists, and Austria. Napoleon III signs an armistice with Austria. However, pressure from Britain, supporting Italian unification to counterweight French and Austrian influence, leads to success for Italian nationalists.The first oil well is drilled in America, after Edwin Drake's discovery in Titusville, Pennsylvania, transforming a quiet farming region into Oil Creek.
Comments back to top
We are currently unable to accept new comments, but any past comments are available to read below.
If you need information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service . Please note that we cannot provide valuations. You can buy a print or greeting card of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at around £6 for unframed prints, £16 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Use this image button, or contact our Rights and Images service. We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.