Art Funded by you

Mary of Buttermere

James Gillray, 1800–1802

© Wordsworth Trust

Mary of Buttermere was the victim of bigamist James Hatfield, whose case was a sensation. James Gillray was a brilliant political caricaturist, and drawings by him are rare as he usually drew directly onto the engraver's plate. Wordsworth included Mary's story in Book VII of 'The Prelude', contrasting his own fate with hers. One drawing and one engraving.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Mary of Buttermere, 1800–1802

Date supported

1993

Medium and material

1) pen & ink with pencil & grey wash; 2) hand coloured engraving

Dimensions

1) 26.7 x 20.3 cm; 2) 30.5 x 23.2 cm

Grant

1500

Total cost

12500

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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