J. L Marks

(Active 1820 - 1850)

May 1st 1837 - William IV Prints

In the makeshift surroundings of the famous Blacksmith's workshop, the gentleman and his illicit bride are joined in matrimony in a ceremony conducted by two workmen and witnessed by an ancient woman, a young apprentice and a shabby looking dog. Alongside the tools of the smith's trade – horseshoes, tongs, an anvil and a furnace – are a humorous bunch of overly ripe grapes. The gentleman is depicted in the midst of slipping the wedding ring onto the bride's finger. This is the setting for the proverbial ‘Gretna Green' forbidden marriage.

Artist Exhibited:

National Portrait Gallery
Guildhall Art Gallery