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Joseph Boruwlaski

(1739-1837), Travelling performer and memoirist

Regency 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.

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