Mr. Philip Wootton, Steeplejack

David Henry Parry 7 Jun 1793 - 15 Sep 1826

Summary

A full-length portrait of Philip Wootton, steeplejack, accompanied by a brief description of his feat in Manchester, when he climbed St Mary's Church to remove the Ball and Cross from the top of the spire. Wootton stands on a ledge, with his deed portrayed behind him (a tiny man can be seen up a ladder on the top of a tall church spire). Wootton stands to the right. He is a striking figure with a vividly realistic face, a black jacket and waistcoat, blue-patterned neck-scarf, buff britches, and a rope around his middle.