George Fraser

William Bradley, 1801 - 1857



George Fraser

William Bradley 1801 - 1857

Summary

Three quarter length portrait of George Fraser, the owner of a Manchester shipping merchant's business with premises on Portland Street. A golfing enthusiast, Fraser was the inaugural captain of Manchester Golf Club in 1818, and in this later portrait he is dressed in a long red golfing jacket with white gloves and cravat; the scarlet wool of his coat suggests hunting and sporting dress generally. The golf club's emblem is visible on the left side of his jacket and holds a golf club with both hands, resting it on his left shoulder. Born in Manchester, the artist, William Bradley (1801-57), was orphaned when only 3 and had to work as an errand boy for many years. However, he had a talent for drawing and at 21 went to London with an introduction to Sir Thomas Lawrence. He established a portrait practice in London and then in 1847 returned to Manchester for the last ten years of his life. This portrait probably dates from that period.

Display Label

George Fraser about 1818-20 William Bradley 1801-57 Oil on canvas George Fraser was a cotton merchant but in this portrait he is shown as a proud golfer. Fraser was the first Captain and President of the Old Manchester Golf Club which met every week on Kersal Moor, Salford. The original nine members were enthusiastic golfers. In 1818 their course had five holes set within the racecourse that ran round the moor. William Bradley, the artist, was a Manchester man. He was the son of a partner in a cotton mill. Gift of the Shareholders of George Fraser, Son & Co. Ltd 1930.150


Object Name

George Fraser

Creators Name

William Bradley

Date Created

1840-50

Dimensions

unframed: 111.8cm x 91.5cm

accession number

1930.150

Place of creation

England

Support

canvas

Medium

oil paint

Credit

Gift of the shareholders of George Fraser and Son Co Ltd

Legal

© Manchester Art Gallery


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