William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne
© National Portrait Gallery, London
William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne
by Edward McInnes, published by Hodgson & Graves, after Sir Thomas Lawrence
mezzotint, published 1 October 1839 (circa 1805)
Reference Collection
NPG D5673
Sitterback to top
- William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne (1779-1848), Prime Minister. Sitter associated with 159 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Hodgson & Graves (active 1836-1840), Publisher. Artist or producer associated with 53 portraits.
- Sir Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830), Portrait painter, collector and President of the Royal Academy. Artist or producer associated with 696 portraits, Sitter in 25 portraits.
- Edward McInnes (1812-1859), Mezzotint engraver. Artist or producer associated with 25 portraits.
Related worksback to top
- NPG D20159: William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne (from same plate)
- NPG 5185: William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne (after)
- NPG D38361: William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne (from same plate)
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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