How you can use this image
This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).
Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.
The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.
Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.
Notes
Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.
Lawrence's dashing portrait was painted at the time when Melbourne, then William Lamb, married the poet Lady Caroline Lamb (1805). Their marriage proved unhappy, being marred by her notorious affair with Lord Byron. They separated legally in 1825. Two years later Canning appointed him Chief Secretary for Ireland. In this post Melbourne was responsible for public safety during the widespread 'Swing Riots' (1830) when agricultural labourers revolted against low pay, the use of new farm machinery and the introduction of cheap Irish labour.
Title
William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne
Date
c.1805
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 75.9 x W 63.2 cm
Accession number
5185
Acquisition method
Accepted in lieu of tax by HM Government and allocated to the Gallery, 1978
Work type
Painting
National Portrait Gallery, London
St Martin’s Place, London, Greater London WC2H 0HE England
-
Miss Murray English Heritage, Kenwood -
Joseph Farington (1747–1821), RA Judges' Lodgings, Lancaster -
Head of an Old Lady Victoria and Albert Museum -
Lady Lea Victoria and Albert Museum -
Mrs Sarah Siddons, née Sarah Kemble, as 'Mrs Haller' in Kotzebue's 'The Stranger' Museum of London -
William Carr (1768–1854), Viscount Beresford, GCB English Heritage, The Wellington Collection, Apsley House -
The Right Honourable Edward Pellew (1757–1833), 1st Viscount Exmouth, Vice-Admiral of England Teignmouth & Shaldon Museum: Teign Heritage - 358 more