Joseph Boruwlaski
(1739-1837), Travelling performer and memoiristRegency Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 2 portraits
The Polish performer Joseph Boruwlaski was born with achondroplasia, which causes dwarfism. At 3 feet 3 inches tall and styled as 'Count Boruwlaski', he was exhibited around the salons and courts of Europe. He moved to Britain in 1782 where, for a fee,he entertained the public with music and exaggerated tales of his adventures. His Memoir was published in 1788 and went through several editions and translations during his lifetime. He died in Durham aged 97 and was buried in Durham Cathedral.
by Sir Edwin Landseer
pen and ink and wash, 1830-1835
NPG 3097(8)
Joseph Boruwlaski; Neil Fergusson
by John Kay
etching, 1802
NPG D16490
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