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, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury

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  volume he holds is inscribed Acts of Parl. 6 & 7 Vic., alluding to the Mines and Collieries Act, prohibiting the employment of women and children underground, which was passed in 1842. The Act resulted from the findings of the Mines and Collieries Commission, led by Lord Shaftesbury.