About this artwork
Munro translated the naturalistic detail and engaging narrative of Pre-Raphaelite paintings into sculpture. Here the young boy, William of Egremont, and his long-haired greyhound, are poised on the brink of a chasm, about to plunge to their deaths in the River Wharfe. Munro was inspired by Wordsworth's poem The Force of Prayer which recounts the legend of the founding of Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire in memory of William, 'Young Romilly'. Herbert Ingram, founder of the Illustrated London News, allowed one of his young sons to pose as William, so Munro carved the Ingram coat of arms on Romilly's tunic.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Alexander Munro (1825 - 1871) Scottish
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title:Young Romilly
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date created:About 1863
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materials:Marble
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measurements:97.00 cm (figure height); 93.00 x 58.20 x 76.30 cm (base size)
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1993
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accession number:NG 2571
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gallery:
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subject:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Alexander Munro
Alexander Munro
Munro was a gifted sculptor associated with the Pre-Raphaelites. Originally from Inverness, his talent was evident in the early clay models he made, which brought him to the attention of Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland. She introduced him to the architect Charles Barry who had designed the new...