Sir Henry Irving as Dr Primrose, the Vicar of Wakefield, in 'Olivia'
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Sir Henry Irving as Dr Primrose, the Vicar of Wakefield, in 'Olivia'
by Window & Grove, published by Rapid Photo Co
bromide postcard print, published 1902-1905 (1885)
5 3/8 in. x 3 3/8 in. (138 mm x 87 mm) overall
Given by an anonymous donor, 2005
Photographs Collection
NPG Ax137398
Sitterback to top
- Sir Henry Irving (John Henry Brodribb) (1838-1905), Actor-manager. Sitter in 123 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Rapid Photo Co, Photographers. Artist or producer associated with 78 portraits.
- Window & Grove (active 1872-1933), Photographers. Artist or producer associated with 168 portraits.
Events of 1885back to top
Current affairs
Redistribution Act; continues Gladstone's extensive package of electoral reform, although his Liberal government is later defeated when the Irish Nationalists, seeking support for Home Rule, side with the Conservatives over a budget measure. The Marquess of Salisbury is invited to form a 'caretaker' government.Art and science
The Dictionary of National Biography is first published quarterly, under the editorship of Leslie Stephen, and sub-editorship of Sidney Lee. Volume 63 completed the work in 1900. Setting new standards in life writing, the DNB exemplified the form of the brief biography, formalising a style and approach to writing lives, based on Stephen's guiding principles of selection and presentation in 'business-like form'.International
The death of the famous General Charles Gordon sparks outrage in Britain. Sent to the Sudan to evacuate Egyptian forces from Khartoum, threatened by Sudanese rebels under Muhammad Ahmad al-Mahdi, Khartoum quickly came under siege, and Gordon is killed and beheaded two days before the relief force arrived. The British public proclaimed Gordon a martyr, and attacked government, particularly Gladstone, for not relieving British forces earlier.Comments back to top
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