Allan Cunningham
(1784-1842), WriterEarly Victorian Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 4 portraits
Scottish-born Cunningham worked initially as a stonemason's apprentice, but spent his leisure time reading and writing imitations of old Scottish ballads. He contributed some songs to Roche's Literary Recreations in 1807, and in 1809 he submitted several ballads for Robert Cromek's Remains of Nithsdale and Galloway Song. Cromek thought them poor imitations of Burns, but Cunningham submitted others and Cromek published them. In 1810 Cunningham moved to London, and worked as a journalist. In 1814 he became secretary to sculptor, Francis Chantrey, a post he kept until Chantrey's death in 1841. He continued to write and published many articles, books and songs.
by William Brockedon
black and red chalk, 1832
NPG 2515(39)
by Henry Room
oil on canvas, circa 1840
NPG 1823
after Daniel Maclise
pen and ink, (published 1832)
NPG D34559
by James Thomson (Thompson), published by George Virtue, after Henry Room
stipple engraving, published 1840 (1840)
NPG D34428
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