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Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 12:10 pm

Sifting through some sundry research papers, I see that I once made a note from the Exeter & Plymouth Gazette of 28 February 1880 that Lady Butler's painting of the engagement at Rorke's Drift "is nearly completed."

I hadn't realised that she, too, had been so quick off the mark, as de Neuville's completed effort was first exhibited at the New Bond St galleries of the FAS in mid-March ("soldiers in uniform free of charge before noon") of the same year. Presumably they were aware of each other's efforts? Certainly both had used returning AZW personnel. Does anyone know the date of the first public showing of Lady B's painting?

Peter

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 7:04 pm

Peter,

Lady Butler's The defence of Rorke's Drift, January 22nd, 1879 was completed in 1880, it was first exhibited at the 1881 Royal Academy Exhibition, judging by the newspaper reports I would say that was in May 1881.

John Y.

Posted: Sun Mar 04, 2012 10:56 pm

Many thanks for that John. Given that de Neuville's painting was exhibited almost before the paint was dry I'm slightly surprised Lady Butler's effort was not shown for some time after it was finished - or so it appears. Perhaps it was an annual exhibition and she just missed the 1880 one?

Peter