FDA-P.83-2010
Parts
Object number
FDA-P.83-2010
Object type
Identification
Title
Hon. George Augustus Frederick Holroyd
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Description
Half-length painted portrait of a young man
Comments
In this room, we are surrounded by Leaving Portraits from the early 19th century. Eton Leaving Portraits are portraits of (Old) Etonians, painted to mark their time at the College. There are some 280 in the College Collections. The earliest is attributed to Thomas Hudson (1701–1779) and was painted in 1754. The most recent are by photographic artist Tereza Červeňová and were made in 2024.
The tradition evolved from the earlier custom of boys presenting Leaving Money to the Head Master as they left the College. Edward Barnard was the first Head Master to request a Leaving Portrait in addition to the money. Barnard continued to honour one or two boys with the privilege of presenting their portrait each year. The works were given directly to Head Masters, who later presented their collections to the College. Some Head Masters became Provosts and so displays of portraits moved into the Provost’s Lodge.
This is the collection of portraits of boys requested by Dr Keate (after whom Keate House and Keate’s Lane are named).
I.D. label on frame
At Eton 1814-1818
Holroyd was styled Viscount Pevensey from 1816 to 1821.
Afterward Second Earl of Sheffield
The tradition evolved from the earlier custom of boys presenting Leaving Money to the Head Master as they left the College. Edward Barnard was the first Head Master to request a Leaving Portrait in addition to the money. Barnard continued to honour one or two boys with the privilege of presenting their portrait each year. The works were given directly to Head Masters, who later presented their collections to the College. Some Head Masters became Provosts and so displays of portraits moved into the Provost’s Lodge.
This is the collection of portraits of boys requested by Dr Keate (after whom Keate House and Keate’s Lane are named).
I.D. label on frame
At Eton 1814-1818
Holroyd was styled Viscount Pevensey from 1816 to 1821.
Afterward Second Earl of Sheffield
Description
Content (person)
Content (note)
Half-length, in a black coat and a white stock
Dimensions
height (sight size): 740mm
width (sight size): 615mm
width (sight size): 615mm
Inscription
Inscribed 'Lord Pevensey' and inscribed on the reverse 'G. Beechey'
Materials & techniques note
Oil on canvas
Physical description
Carved gilt frame
Production
Person
Beechey, William (R. A.), 1753 - 1839 (Attributed to)
Date
c.1818
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Commissioned by the sitter or his family; by whom presented to the Head Master of Eton College
References
• Cust, L., Eton College Portraits, 1910 (p.39, no.112, Plate XXVII)
