Victorian Framed & Glazed Silk Relief Plaque of the Explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley.
Sir Henry (1841 - 1904) was a Welsh - American explorer, journalist, soldier, colonial administrator, author and politician who was famous for his exploration of central Africa and his search for missionary and explorer David Livingstone. He was Knighted in 1897, and served in Parliament as the member for Lambeth North from 1895 to 1900.
He was born under the name of John Rowlands and sent to a workhouse after being abandoned by his mother and his father having died. At the age of 18 he emigrated to New Orleans in America.
During the American Civil War he enlisted in the Confederate States Army 6th Arkansas Infantry Regiment and fought at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862 where he was taken prisoner. He then joined the Union Army but was discharged due to severe illness. He then joined the US Navy, serving at the First and Second Battles of Fort Fisher. He later became a freelance journalist with explorations being financed by newspapers.
In excellent condition with no silk or glass damage. There is the sound of something loose from within the plaque, presumably part of the backing.
Approximate weight is 337 grams.
Approximate dimensions are 25 cm diameter and 3.5 cm height.