Object number
64/82
Title
The Durham Ox,
Collection
Exhibition
Creator
Description
Print from an engraving of a painting, 'The Durham Ox', by J. Boultbee in 1802. Engraved by J. Whessell, of Oxford, published 1802.
This is a print from an engraving of an original painting, 'The Durham Ox', by J. Boultbee in 1802. It was engraved by J. Whessell, of Oxford, and was published by John Day of Harmston on 20th March 1802. John Day dedicated the print to Lord Somerville. It is one of a collection of paintings and prints thought to date from the last quarter of the 18th century to c.1860.
Physical description
Framed Print: paper
Label Text
John Boultbee (artist), John Whessell (engraver). DURHAM OX. The animal that became known as the Durham Ox was born in 1796. It was bred by Charles Colling who, along with his brother Robert, did much to establish the Shorthorn breed. The ox was purchased in 1801 by John Day. He gave it the grand title of the Durham Ox, took it on nationwide tour, and published thousands of copies of this print. The animal spent most of 1802 on display in London. MERL 64/82.
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'PRINT - Etching // Description // THE DURHAM OX // 1802 // [Shorthorn - Durham] // Painted by J. Boultbee // Engraved by J. Whessell // Published by John Day, 20 March, 1802 (Harmston) // Etching printed in colour 23.6 x 18in // Dimensions // Black + gilt frame // 80.5cm wide x 59.5cm high // Associated information // To the Right Honourable Lord Somerville, This print is with great respect humbly dedicated by his lordships most obedient humble servant John Day. This wonderful animal is now the property of Mr. John Day, of Harmston, near Lincoln and was, March 20, 1802, six years old. // Note this is the same animal as the Ketton Ox.', MERL miscellaneous note [The Royal Smithfield Club] – ‘A letter was received from the Museum in which it was stated that they had been given an opportunity to purchase a collection of paintings and prints of Farm Livestock executed during the period from the last quarter of the 18th century to about 1860. These include animals which had won prizes at the Smithfield Shows of 1834 and 1851… At the request of the Council, Mr. W. J. Cumber and Mr. P. M. Colebrook inspected the paintings and prints, and they were unanimous in recommending that the Club should purchase the prints and present them to the Museum… The Museum have agreed that the collection shall be recorded as The Royal Smithfield Club Collection.’
Production place
, Oxford, Harmston
Production date
1802 - 1802
Object name
Material
Technique
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_5855.tif - High resolution image
