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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

The Gallery’s Acknowledgement of Country, and information on culturally sensitive and restricted content and the use of historic language in the collection can be found here.

The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Melbourne

1839
Charles Turner (engraver) after Sir George Hayter

mezzotint on paper (plate-mark: 55.5 cm x 41.0 cm, image: 40.5 cm x 31.7 cm)

William Lamb, second Viscount Melbourne (1779–1848), statesman, was Prime Minister of Britain in 1834 and from 1835 to 1841. Eton and Cambridge-educated, Lamb entered parliament in 1806 as a Whig member of the House of Commons. He married Caroline Ponsonby,

a poet, in 1805, although the marriage was unhappy, Lady Caroline’s various affairs – including one with Lord Byron – being common knowledge. The marriage ended in 1825. In 1827, Lamb was appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland; the following year, on the death

of his father, he inherited the title Viscount Melbourne and took up his seat in the House of Lords. Home Secretary under Lord Grey from 1830, he became Prime Minister when Grey resigned in July 1834 and was re-elected the following year. Melbourne became an important mentor and adviser to Queen Victoria on her coming to the throne in 1837 despite the scandal of his failed marriage and other indiscretions. Melbourne resigned as Prime Minister in 1841. In March 1837, almost two years after its establishment by Tasmanian pastoralists, the Port Phillip Bay settlement was officially named Melbourne, in honour of the then Prime Minister, by the Governor of New South Wales, Richard Bourke.

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2013

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

Artist and subject

Sir George Hayter (age 47 in 1839)

Charles Turner (age 65 in 1839)

William Lamb (age 60 in 1839)

Subject professions

Government and leadership

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

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