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1 of 253523 objects
Cundall & Howlett
Trumpeter George Gritten and Trumpeter William Lang 1883 copy after 1856 original
Carbon print | 22.9 x 18.5 cm (image) | RCIN 2500185
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Photograph of Trumpeter George Gritten of the 11th Battalion Royal Artillery and Trumpeter William Lang of the 12th Battalion Royal Artillery. They are with an ammunition carriage at Woolwich army barracks. Gritten is standing just in front of the carriage with his right arm resting on a drum. Lang is sitting on top of the carriage holding a trumpet in his right hand and a mace toped with an eagle in his left. Both are wearing military uniform and the Crimean Medal. There is an open space behind them, with the barracks just visible to the left. This photograph, printed by Jabez Hughes in 1883, is a carbon print pasted over the original photograph.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert met Trumpeters Gritten and Lang during a visit to Woolwich to welcome the Royal Artillery on their return from the Crimean War. After their visit they commissioned a series of portraits of the men from the photographers Joseph Cundall and Robert Howlett. The note which accompanies this photograph comments that 'The man, Trumpeter Gritten, arrived in Britain with an immense beard, which doubtless attracted her Majesty's attentions - unfortunately before the photographers arrived at Woolwich, he had cut off this ornament because it was so red'. Trumpeter Lang was only thirteen years old at the start of the Crimean War, yet despite his youth was praised for his bravery during the campaign.Provenance
Acquired by Queen Victoria
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Creator(s)
(photographer)(printer)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Carbon print
Measurements
22.9 x 18.5 cm (image)
29.5 x 23.1 cm (page dimensions)
Category
Object type(s)
Alternative title(s)
Trumpeter George Gritten, 11th Battalion & Trumpeter W Lang, 12th Battalion, Royal Artillery, c.1856 [in Crimean Portraits, 1854 - 1856]
