Opening of the Royal Courts of Justice by Queen Victoria, 1882

Location

Country: UK
City: London
Place: Royal Courts of Justice, The Strand

Henry Tanworth Wells was a pupil of the painter of portraits and historical subjects James Matthews Leigh. Wells initially specialised in miniature portraits but as the development of photography reduced demand, he began painting on a larger scale. In 1870 he became a member of the Royal Academy and soon took a leading role in Academy administration. Wells married the painter and writer Joanna Boyce. Shortly after the birth of their third child Joanna died. Wells’ son, Sidney, also died suddenly at the age of just ten. A successful painter and prosperous artist, Wells’ best known work was ‘Princess Victoria Receiving the News of Her Succession’ (1837) now in the Royal Collection.

Places

Subjects

bugle, musician, book, group portrait, Gothic Revival, beard, moustache, man, woman, 19th century costume, ceremonial costume, ermine, robe, clerical costume, coat, wig, riband, fur, judge, Order of the Garter, yeoman of the guard, royal footman, Prince, Queen, Princess, spear, clergyman, royal opening, railing, government building, courthouse, archway, column, pillar (architectural feature), steps, carpet, chair

Materials & Techniques

canvas, oil, oil painting

Artist

Henry Tanworth Wells (1828 - 1903)

Title

Opening of the Royal Courts of Justice by Queen Victoria, 1882

Date

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

height: 211.00 cm, width: 350.00 cm

Acquisition

Presented by Mr A E Street, 1919

Provenance

Mr A E Street (son of the architect of the Law Courts) (gift)

GAC number

RCJ0/124