Not on display

Mr. Patrick O'Brien

Print
20/06/1804 (Published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Patrick O’Brien (1760-1806), born Patrick Cotter in Kinsale, Ireland in 1760, grew to the height of over eight foot and became known as the Irish Giant and the Bristol Giant. He was ‘discovered’ by an agent in Ireland who brought him to England to exhibit him in Bristol in 1782, and by about 1785 came to London where he exhibited himself very profitably at 30, St. James Street. ‘Giants’ bodies were of great interest to anatomists – something of which O’Brien was hugely fearful, and despite leaving enough money for a lead-lined casket and burial beneath rock, O’Brien’s body was still disinterred in 1972 for medical research.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleMr. Patrick O'Brien (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Engraving, printed ink on paper
Brief description
Patrick O'Brien, the celebrated Irish Giant. Etching by J. Parry, engraved by Anthony Van Assen and published by R.S. Kirby and I. Scott, 20 June 1804. Harry Beard Collection.
Physical description
Engraving of Patrick Cotter or Mr Patrick O'Brien, the celebrated Irish giant.
Dimensions
  • Height: 21cm
  • Width: 13cm
Credit line
Harry R. Beard Collection, given by Isobel Beard.
Subject depicted
Summary
Patrick O’Brien (1760-1806), born Patrick Cotter in Kinsale, Ireland in 1760, grew to the height of over eight foot and became known as the Irish Giant and the Bristol Giant. He was ‘discovered’ by an agent in Ireland who brought him to England to exhibit him in Bristol in 1782, and by about 1785 came to London where he exhibited himself very profitably at 30, St. James Street. ‘Giants’ bodies were of great interest to anatomists – something of which O’Brien was hugely fearful, and despite leaving enough money for a lead-lined casket and burial beneath rock, O’Brien’s body was still disinterred in 1972 for medical research.
Associated objects
Collection
Accession number
S.1856-2012

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Record createdJanuary 2, 2013
Record URL
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