George Bidder, a mental calculator, aged thirteen. Line engraving by J.H. Robinson, 1819, after Miss Hayter.
- Hayter, A. (Anne), Miss., active. 1814-1830.
- Date:
- 25 June 1819
- Reference:
- 163i
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Description
The sitter was from a poor background and uneducated; upon discovering his mental attribute his father exhibited him all over the country until he was fifteen. At this point Sir Henry Jardine raised funds for his education and in 1819 he entered the University of Edinburgh; here he became friends with Robert Stephenson, and went on to become a great engineer and entrepreneur. See Steven B. Smith, 'The Great Mental Calculators', pp 211-220, 1983.
Publication/Creation
London (Cockspur Street) : Colnaghi & Co., 25 June 1819.
Physical description
1 print : line engraving
Lettering
George Bidder, of Devonshire, aet.13. Whose extraordinary power of calculation developed itself without instruction & reached an unprecedented height before he attained his seventh year. Painted by Miss Hayter. Engraved by J.H. Robinson.
Reference
Wellcome Collection 163i
Reproduction note
"From a miniature in the possession of the Revd. Thos. Jephson, of St. John's College Cambridge."
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Location Status Access Closed stores