Thomas Carlyle

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Thomas Carlyle

by Richard James Lane, published by John Mitchell, after Alfred, Count D'Orsay
lithograph, published 18 June 1839 (May 1839)
11 7/8 in. x 8 7/8 in. (302 mm x 225 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D2020

Sitterback to top

  • Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881), Historian and essayist; Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery. Sitter associated with 94 portraits.

Artistsback to top

  • Alfred, Count D'Orsay (1801-1852), Amateur artist and man of fashion. Artist or producer associated with 267 portraits, Sitter associated with 13 portraits.
  • Richard James Lane (1800-1872), Sculptor and lithographer. Artist or producer associated with 1226 portraits, Sitter in 6 portraits.
  • John Mitchell (active 1832-died 1889), Publisher. Artist or producer associated with 206 portraits.

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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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