[William Bligh, ca. 1814 - watercolour on ivory miniature]

MIN 53

fonds

ca. 1814

Graphic Materials, Watercolours

413469

Digitised

Drawings - 1 watercolour on ivory miniature in oval gilt frame. The remains of a later, now broken, brooch pin is can be seen soldered to the frame. In reverse of miniature is encased hair and pressed gold letters WB[?]. The miniature sits in a mid-twentieth century, probaby Freeman Bros. Sydney, miniature case. - 6 x 5.1 cm

Out of copyright: Creator died before 1955
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

This miniature shows William Bligh in the uniform of either a Rear-Admiral or Vice-Admiral, ranks he achieved from 1814. However damage to it makes it impossible to accurately determine his rank. The miniature apparently sustained damage in the late nineteenth century when a previous owner, William Russell Bligh, left it in a bank cellar where it was 'infused by damp.' : see William Russell Bligh to F.M. Bladen 6 March 1898 ML MSS 155
Digital order no:a131007

Initialled at lower right "MB" or "ITB"

Possessed : an exhibition of treasures - State Library of New South Wales (4 March - 29 June, 1997)