It's Ned! But not as we know him...

[anteros_lmc]

Yesterday I came across this extraordinary portrait of Edward Pellew, or rather Viscount Exmouth. That's him in the middle :} This image is taken from a gold and vellum document called Ceremonial of the Coronation of His Most Sacred Majesty King George the Fourth which is held in the Royal Collection.



The Catalogue entry reads as follows:

This sumptuous volume was produced in the context of an equally splendid public event, George IV's coronation on 19 July 1821. Since his estranged wife, Caroline of Brunswick, was held in considerable public sympathy after George IV's attempts to divorce her, a lavish spectacle was needed to rekindle the public's loyalty towards him. Parliament voted the astonishing sum of £240,000 towards the cost of the ceremony (George III's coronation had only cost £70,000). The extravagant costumes for the procession were designed to an Elizabethan and Jacobean theme, to recall England's past heritage.

Whittaker's publication was printed in gold throughout, by a technique developed in secret and first used in 1816. The vibrant hand-coloured illustrations give a flavour of the procession, though not its strict order. The Banner of Scotland (the red lion on a yellow background) is borne by the Earl of Lauderdale, Lord High Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, wearing the collar of the Order of the Thistle. The Banner of Ireland (the gold harp on a blue background) is borne by Viscount Beresford, military hero from the Peninsular War, wearing the collar of the Order of the Bath. Both are attended by pages. Behind them walk Viscount Exmouth wearing the collar of the Bath, and Viscount Sidmouth.

Six copies of this book were printed for the crowned heads of Europe, but the expense bankrupted Whittaker, despite an initial grant of £5,000.

Although Pellew was rightly proud of his honours, he was not a man for pomp and circumstance. Following his death and modest funeral, 10 years after this image was painted, the local paper referred to the "disregard of parade and ostentation which distinguished his whole life." Given that he continued to wear undress uniform and nankeen trousers, even once he had reached the exalted rank of Admiral, one can only imagine what he made of having to dress up in this outlandish costume. I can't help thinking that he looks like a rather anxious overstuffed plush cushion! And don't even get me started on that ruff...

Wellington also appears in the document, looking equally bemused!

Comments

[rikibeth.livejournal.com]

Astonishing! Wellington looks very much more at home, and I do fancy the ducal strawberry leaves.

Also... imagine wearing all that ermine and probably velvet in JULY!

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Indeed. Wellington looks much more accustomed to the bling! Though he still appears slightly surprised :}

imagine wearing all that ermine and probably velvet in JULY!
Yeah, we are talking London though, it was just as likely to be pissing down! I wonder how heavy those cloaks were? They must have weighed a ton!

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

Wellington just wants to put on his lycra bike uniform!

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Hehe! I'd forgotten about that! Perhaps he's wearing his lycra under his robes? :P

[elin-gregory.livejournal.com]

Ned has the best bling in the first piccie, and he knows it. I think that's a picture that needs captioning.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

He is well blinged out innit. XD

I think that's a picture that needs captioning.
Y'reckon? You don't think that pic's too silly even for follwoing_sea?!

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

Cor. Gorgeous.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Scrubs up well dun't he? Portsmouth Poll would hardly recognise the old boy!

[amaraal.livejournal.com]

WHAT? That is HIM???? O Nooooos! I like him better in blue and gold :) '...overstuffed plush cushion...' *giggles* :)

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Yep. That Ned himself! Gives whole new meaning to the term "well upholstered"! :P

I sent this to nodbear earlier in the week....not sure if she's stopped giggling yet.

[amaraal.livejournal.com]

I did :) Poor Neddie. Stuffed like a cushion :) And all tailor made :)

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

Can we play the caption game with it? The dude in the shorts with the crown makes the picture I think.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

The dude in the shorts?! *dies laughing* Okay, caption comp it is! I'll post this to following_sea tomorrow :)

[nodbear.livejournal.com]

Lord Exmouth writes: yes, alas,they made a painting of it - good grief
and you are correct Nodbear has indeed not stopped laughing at all - but it is nothing to what Susan did and as for when JAcques saw it - well.......

Nodbear doesn't write due to uncontrollable giggling fits - the Admiral is off out for a pint down on the river

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

My Dearest Lord Exmouth,

Far be it form me to find fault with your dear Lady wife, Madam nodbear and the inestimable Bergeret, that creature composed entirely of air and fire; but I beg to differ with their laughter. I think your attire is very becoming indeed. Though I confess there is a passing resemblance to the tastefully draped 32 pound carronades in the Tonant's cabin.

I am proud to remain as always your fondest etc, etc.
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