Miniature portrait of James Forbes by William Booth
Scope and Contents
This is a miniature portrait of Scottish physicist and glaciologist James Forbes, painted by Scottish artist William Booth. Watercolour on ivory inscribed verso "William Booth pinxit" dated "London July 26th. 1841". In the painting, Forbes is 32, and he is wearing a tartan waistcoast.
Dates
- Creation: 1841
Creator
- Booth, William, 1807-1845 (Scottish painter) (Artist, Person)
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access
Open. Please contact the repository in advance.
Biographical / Historical
According to a typed note pasted at the back of the frame, William Booth was born in 1807 in Aberdeen. He exhibited paintings at the Royal Academy and the Society of British Artists from 1827 until his death in 1845.
Full Extent
1 object : Miniature portrait on ivory, black frame ; 10 cm x 8.5 cm (frame included)
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased in October 2025. Accession no. SC-Acc-2025-0117.
Physical Description
Watercolour on ivory inscribed verso "William Booth pinxit" dated "London July 26th 1841", showing a young James Forbes in a tartan waistcoat. Black lacquer frame with gilt brass thistle and rose hanger. Aperture size approx. 5 cms x 4 cms, overall 10 cms x 8.5 cms.
Processing Information
Catalogued in April 2026 by Aline Brodin, using information from the seller.
- Title
- Miniature portrait of James Forbes by William Booth, 1841
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk