King William IV
© National Portrait Gallery, London
King William IV
published by Colburn & Bentley, after Sir Thomas Lawrence
stipple engraving, published April 1832
6 1/8 in. x 4 5/8 in. (156 mm x 117 mm)
Acquired from Mr Smyth
Reference Collection
NPG D8771
Sitterback to top
- King William IV (1765-1837), Reigned 1830-37. Sitter associated with 175 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Colburn & Bentley (active 1831), Publishers. Artist or producer associated with 5 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.
Events of 1832back to top
Current affairs
William IV agrees to the creation of new peers in order to obtain the passage of the Reform Act, although this proved unnecessary when the Tories withdrew opposition. Male franchise is extended by fifty percent; fifty-six 'rotten boroughs' lose representation and forty-one new constituencies are created. Irish and Scottish Reform Acts are also passed.Art and science
Mathematician Charles Babbage publishes his best selling Economy of Machinery and Manufactures. In response to recent outbreaks of machine-breaking and riots, he aimed to reveal the sources of Britain's industrial strength to the urban elite and promote institutional change.Parliament votes funds for National Gallery buildings in Trafalgar Square.
International
Free land grants end for English settlers in Australia on recommendation of the leading colonisation theorist Edward Wakefield in his Letter from Sydney.Greek independence recognised by the Treaty of London.
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