Anne Yearsley; The Bristol Milkwoman

Anne Yearsley; The Bristol Milkwoman.

Ann Yearsley, also referred to as The Bristol Milkwoman and ‘Lactilla’ was an English poet and writer ‘from the labouring class’. She was discovered by her contemporary, Hannah More. Born in Bristol to John & Ann Cromartie she received no formal education but was taught to write by her brother. She married John Yearsley, a freeholder of a small farm, in 1774. Ann was an abolitionist, as was More and many others in Bristol, writing ‘A Poem on the Inhumanity of the Slave-Trade’. Much of Bristol’s wealth rested on the slave trade and the city thereby became a centre for the abolitionist’s cause.   

The plate for this rare mezzotint was engraved by Joseph Grozer after the portrait painted by another woman artist Sarah Shiells. Published by Shiells May 16th 1787 and by Mr Dickinson, Bond Street and Mr Boydell Cheapside.

With margins all round; now within a good replica of a correct period print frame, ebonized and with gilt sight.

o.s:16 3/8 in x 21 3/8 in.

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This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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