Catalogue No. 34
(7th Earl of Shaftesbury, 1801 - 1885): half length, wearing a grey coat and waistcoat, holding a volume of Acts of Parliament, possibly the Factory Act. Oil on canvas, in a contemporary frame, 34 3/4 ins by 26 1/2 ins.

Artist: Say, Frederick Richard, RA (Attributed To)
Portrait of Anthony Ashley Cooper

1805-60
(7th Earl of Shaftesbury, 1801 - 1885): half length, wearing a grey coat and waistcoat, holding a volume of Acts of Parliament, possibly the Factory Act. Oil on canvas, in a contemporary frame, 34 3/4 ins by 26 1/2 ins.

Collection Details
Unknown.

Background
Anthony Ashley Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury (1801–85), was a great philanthropist, known for his dedication to a variety of causes, chiefly improvement in factory working conditions and in the care of lunatics.  The Ten-Hour Bill, or Factory Act, named after him, was, however, passed when he was out of Parliament in 1847; the volume inscribed Acts of Parl. 6 & 7 Vic. that he holds must therefore allude to his Mines Act, prohibiting the employment of women and children underground, which was passed in 1842.