Death of Chatterton by Henry Wallis

Interesting online talk to mark a partnership between Schroders Personal Wealth and the Royal West of England Academy of Art (RWA) on “The Death of Chatterton” by Henry Wallis which is currently on loan to the galley from The Tate.

Nathalie Levi from the RWA talked eloquently about the picture taking us through the symbolism pointing out interesting details such as the fact that Chatterton holds onto the paper packaging of the poison he has just taken. She also talked about the history of the picture which was a hit at the Royal Academy show of 1956 and subsequently toured the country.

She also looked at the life of Chatterton who was born in Bristol where the gallery is and how it is likely that his death was actually an accidental overdose rather than the suicide depicted.

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