Thomas William Anson, 1st Earl of Lichfield







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Thomas William Anson, 1st Earl of Lichfield
by Richard James Lane, after Alfred, Count D'Orsay
lithograph, (1839)
8 7/8 in. x 7 1/8 in. (225 mm x 180 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from Maurice Buxton Forman, 1939
Reference Collection
NPG D45936
Sitterback to top
- Thomas William Anson, 1st Earl of Lichfield (1795-1854), Postmaster General and politician; MP for Great Yarmouth. Sitter in 4 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Alfred, Count D'Orsay (1801-1852), Amateur artist and man of fashion. Artist associated with 267 portraits, Sitter associated with 13 portraits.
- Richard James Lane (1800-1872), Sculptor and lithographer. Artist associated with 1226 portraits, Sitter in 6 portraits.
Portrait setback to top
Events of 1839back to top
Current affairs
The Bedchamber crisis strains relations between the government and the monarchy, after Queen Victoria refuses to dismiss her Whig-appointed ladies of the bedchamber at the request of the new, Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Peel resigns and Melbourne returns as Prime Minister.The Grand National is first held at the Aintree race course, won by the horse Lottery, and the first Henley Royal Regatta, the rowing event, is held on the Thames.
Art and science
The French and British scientists Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot separately publicise their experiments with the new form of photography.The prolific journalist Harriet Martineau publishes her three decker novel Deerbrook, the story of middle class country life.
International
The first Opium War with China is sparked after the British government refuses to try six British soldiers accused of killing a Chinese man protecting a temple from looters. Relations were strained as Britain had promoted the drug opium in China to boost trade. Winning the war, Britain secured vital trading rights.African captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolt, resulting in a highly publicised court case.
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