3-070-892 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Commemoration of the eightieth birthday of the Earl of Shaftesbury at Guildhall, City of London, 1881. 'The eightieth birthday of this veteran Christian philanthropist, was commemorated by presented with a testimonial...Some girls connected with the Flower-Girls' Mission and that of the Water-Cress Sellers were on the platform...The Earl of Aberdeen moved a resolution bearing testimony to the philanthropic services of Lord Shaftesbury, during more than half a century, in improving the condition of the labouring classes, and especially bringing the neglected and depraved juvenile population of London, to the number of at least 300,000, under humane and Christian influences...A lifesize portrait of the noble Earl, which had been hung on the wall to be presented to him, was unveiled amid loud cheers. It had been paid for by ragged-school children and teachers, aided by a few friends, in sums ranging from a farthing to a guinea. This portrait was painted by Mr. B. S. Marks...The Earl of Shaftesbury, who, on rising, was met with a very cordial greeting, in acknowledging the testimonial, alluded in grateful terms to the vast assistance which he had received in ragged-school work from a multitude of self-denying teachers'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.