1919-1921
chalk drawing
Owner: pwu
Ill: Brangwyn Portfolio 35 (18×35.5cm)
Study for Chairing of Edmund Burke in 1774 (O2620), Bristol City Art Gallery (K574)
In 1917 Councillor Ernest Wyman Savory, Chairman of the Royal West of England Academy, suggested to Bristol Council Members that they present a series of paintings representing the history of Bristol, to decorate the walls of the Old Council House, Corn Street, Bristol. In all there are nine panels, of which Brangwyn’s is number eight. Sir Thomas Lennard chose the subject because he thought that the peace of the world depended on Anglo-American relations. Burke was MP for Bristol 1774-1780 and the painting depicts his elevation to this position.
The notation on the frame reads: ‘The Chairing of Edmund Burke, MP for Bristol 1774-1780. This is the Second city in the Kingdom the connection with the British Empire is consistent with all the liberties a sober and spirited Americans ought to desire. Presented by Sir Thomas J Lennard JP. Painted by Frank Brangwyn RA’.
For more information on the oil painting see Roger Alford & Libby Horner, Brangwyn in his Studio, Roger Alford Guildford 2004 p55, 59-64, 66, 67, p71, 74, 81-88
For another study see Men looking at procession