Object of the Day: Mrs. Fry Visiting Newgate Prison by Henrietta Ward, 1893

The granddaughter of famed painter, James Ward, Henrietta Ward was fascinated by art at an early age and showed an uncommon talent as a child. Growing up, she was surrounded by artists such as Sir Edwin Landseer, C.R. Leslie and the great historical painter, Edward Matthew (E.M.) Ward (no relation). In 1843, at the age of 11, she decided she was madly in love with E.M Ward, sixteen years her senior. Her love grew over the years, and in 1848, aided by family friend Wilkie Collins, she and E.M. Ward eloped—an act for which her family never forgave her.


Mrs. Ward’s marriage fostered her artistic talent. As she raised their eight children (one of whom was Leslie Ward, who under the name “Spy” drew some of the most famous covers of Vanity Fair Magazine), she painted some of the most famous historical paintings in English art history. A favorite of Queen Victoria, Mrs. Ward was commissioned to teach art to the Royal children. Very quickly, she became the most famous female painter in England and enjoyed an induction into the Royal Academy (an unusual distinction for a woman). With the support of her husband and prominent friends such as Charles Dickens, she became a true pioneer.

One of Mrs. Ward’s most celebrated paintings was a historical scene of another female pioneer—prison and social reformer, Mrs. Elizabeth Fry. Her painting of Mrs. Fry Visiting Newgate Prison was heralded for its raw drama and sensitivity. Conditions in prisons such as Newgate were deplorable. Mrs. Fry made considerable strides in bringing attention to the conditions in these prisons where entire families were mistreated. Mrs. Ward’s painting continued Mrs. Fry’s crusade. When an engraving of the painting was displayed at the 1893 Royal Exposition, people were shocked by the cruelty it depicted.

In her second memoir, Memories of Ninety Years, written in 1911, a year before her death, Henrietta Ward explained that two engraved versions of the painting were created. An example of one of the versions remains in the Royal Collection. An example of the other was given as a gift to the Lady Abercrombie. This version of the engraving was stolen, but later recovered. Signed by the artist, with the message, “To the Lady Abercrombie, with kindest regards of the artist,” this engraving now resides here—under the watchful eye of security cameras and motion detectors. I discovered this engraving at a local antique store—evidently passed from owner to owner after the dissolution of the estate.

Also signed by the engraver, T.D. Atkins, the engraving crisply illustrates the vile conditions in Newgate prison. Mrs. Fry, the central figure, clutches her prayer book and with a resolute expression seems to be set to battle the Governor of the jail.

It’s a remarkable piece and it reminds me each day of the bravery of two exceptional women. In a world where such inspiration is in short order, I cherish both the artistry and the message.