Queen Victoria
1 portrait by Alfred Robert Freebairn
© National Portrait Gallery, London
Queen Victoria
by Alfred Robert Freebairn, after C. Henry Weigall
anaglyptograph, 1839
5 1/4 in. x 3 7/8 in. (133 mm x 97 mm) plate size; 17 in. x 11 1/2 in. (432 mm x 293 mm) paper size
Purchased with help from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Pilgrim Trust, 1966
Reference Collection
NPG D33610
Sitterback to top
- Queen Victoria (1819-1901), Reigned 1837-1901. Sitter associated with 548 portraits, Artist or producer associated with 5 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Alfred Robert Freebairn (1794 or 1795-1846), Engraver and etcher. Artist or producer associated with 10 portraits.
- C. Henry Weigall (1800?-1883), Medallist. Artist or producer associated with 7 portraits.
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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