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Notes

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An aristocrat and an independent MP, Burdett entered Parliament in 1796 to become the most influential radical politician. He championed free speech, personal liberty and radical state prisoners. In 1807, with the help of labour activist Francis Place, Burdett successfully stood for Westminster – a hotbed of radicalism. He was arrested and imprisoned for denouncing the House of Common's decision to bar journalists from some debates. Burdett became a national celebrity as 'Burdett and Liberty' riots exploded onto London's streets, marking a shift of popular sympathy towards electoral reform.
Lawrence's portrait was begun in 1793, the year of Burdett's marriage to Sophia daughter of the banker Thomas Coutts. The 'Doomsday' book at the foot of the column and the sculpture of an early English king suggest Burdett's commitment to upholding Britain's ancient rights.

National Portrait Gallery, London

London

Title

Sir Francis Burdett, 5th Bt

Date

c.1793

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 250.2 x W 143.5 cm

Accession number

3820

Acquisition method

Bequeathed by the Rt Hon. William Ashmead Bartlett Burdett-Coutts, 1952

Work type

Painting

National Portrait Gallery, London

St Martin’s Place, London, Greater London WC2H 0HE England

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Artist or maker

Thomas Lawrence

1769–1830

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