Henry Cope (d.1806). Eccentric, known as 'The Green Man of Brighton'
Edmund Scott (London 1746-1810)
Category
Art / Prints
Date
1806
Materials
Paper
Measurements
397 x 322 x 18 mm
Order this imageCollection
Lacock, Wiltshire
NT 996978
Summary
Print, coloured engraving Henry Cope (d.1806). Eccentric, known as 'The Green Man of Brighton' by Edmund Scott (London 1746-1810). Framed print of a man in green titled 'Mr Cope commonly called The Green Man' below 'Pub Oct 25th 1806 by E. Scott, Brighton'. A hanwritten title to the right 'The Noted Green Man of Brighton'. He committed suicide in 1806. Extract about Henry comes from The Omnium Gatherum, 1809. "The Green Man at Brighton – Amongst the visitors this season is an original, or would-be original, generally known by the appellation of ‘The Green Man’. He is dressed in green pantaloons, green waistcoat, green frock, green cravat and though his ears, whiskers, eye-brows and chin are better powdered than his head, which is, however, covered with flour, his countenance, no doubt, from the reflection of his clothes, is also green. He eats nothing but greens, fruits and vegetables; has his apartments painted green, and furnished with green sofa, green chairs, green tables, green bed and green curtains. His gig, his livery his portmanteau, his gloves and his whips, are all green. With a green silk handkerchief in his hand and a large watch chain with green seals, fastened to the green buttons of his green waistcoat he parades every day on the Steyne, Brighton."
Provenance
Purchased with the family collection of Abbey contents in situ from Mrs Petronella Burnett-Brown December 2009.
Makers and roles
Edmund Scott (London 1746-1810), engraver (printmaker)