'Miniature of Lord Nelson', British School

Miniature of Lord Nelson

Engraving on paper, 1800s

Accession number WAG 5426

This miniature was exhibited at the 1892 Liverpool Naval Exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery in the ‘Nelson Relics’ section. It was alongside such things as a pipe that Nelson is said to have used, and the bullet that killed him.

Reverse side of the miniature showing writing and the label from the 1892 exhibition

The inscription reads:

“This frame is made from that part of the Deck of the Victory on which Nelson fell. October 21.1805”.

Detail showing inscription on the front of the miniature

Further writing on the back states that a Lord of the Admiralty gave the wood to a Mr Ackerman, who was involved with organising Nelson’s funeral. Mr Ackerman gave it to his relation Mr George Wise, and his son George made it into a frame in 1891.

The miniature was presented to the Walker by Mrs Wise in 1892.