Sarah Whitehead; The Bank Nun, or the Lady in Black
London: c1820. Lithograph with handcoloring in watercolor, 9 x 6 1/2 inches (230 x 165 mm), full margins. Light pencil inscriptions in the lower margins which are largely illegible. Light handling wear and some surface soiling, otherwise in good condition with beautiful, saturated watercolor work in the area of the subject's face.
Whitehead's brother, Philip, was employed by the Bank of England from 1797 to 1810. During his employment at the Bank, Philip Whitehead "adopted an extravagant lifestyle" and evidence came to light that he had defrauded Robarts & Co. by "forging an acceptance to a Bill." He was charged with forgery in 1811, and executed on 29 January 1812. The news of her brother's conviction was kept from his sister, Sarah, as long as possible. Learning of the execution Sarah Whitehead's mental health became unstable and she began to visit the Bank daily, asking if Phillip was there. This continued until 1818, when the Directors offered Whitehead a financial grant on the condition that she stopped coming to the bank. Whitehead wore black crepe clothing, which was a sign of mourning, and as a result became known as the "Black Nun." To this day Whitehead's ghost reputedly haunts the Bank of England, as well as the area on Threadneedle Street nearby. The myth of Whitehead's ghost appears in the poem New Year Letter by W. H. Auden.
Item number: 1889
Price: $1,200.00
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