COLONEL JOHN RICHARD MAGRATH, Portrait in Military Uniform, ...

Estimate

£1,000 - £1,500

COLONEL JOHN RICHARD MAGRATH, Portrait in Military Uniform, oil on canvas, hand written, paper label verso, together with two photograph albums containing Magrath and Doran related material including a photograph from which the portrait was copied and photographs of Magrath in s 3.5 hp Benz Dogcart, also with military and photographic scenes of India. 105 x 76 cms.

Magrath was the brother-in-law of General Sir John Doran. On retiring in 1872 he settled in Winsley near Bradford on Avon where the museum holds various material on the Colonel. He lived at Murhill House. He returned to Co. Wexford in his native Ireland in 1890, living close his brother-in-law John Doran. Featured on the museum website is a photograph of Magrath in a 3.5 hp Benz Dogcart. It was apparently one of the first cars in Ireland and is the same vehicle featured in the album in this lot. 

OBIT. 1913 Died, 'ARM. Col. John Richard Magrath, retired pay, late Royal Madras Artillery died on the 15th inst, at Ban Abo, Wexford, aged 80. Col. Magrath was the eldest Son of the late Mr John Magrath, Bengal Medical Service, of Bawn James, Ireland. He obtained his commission in the Madras Artillery, June 13th 1843, and became Lieutenant April 30th, 1849. He served as a volunteer with his Highness the Niram's troops in the affair at Bhuddrachellum on June 9th, 1849. He also served in the Second Burmese War and was present at the operations near Donabew, being wounded on the left side while leading infantry to the attack of the stockade on March 19th, 1863. The same day commanded the artillery out of action (Medal with clasp for PEGU). He became Captain Aug. 27th, 1858 and in 1861 political officer he accompanied an expedition against Rookies. While in civil charge of the Eastern Frontier of Bengal he attacked and defeated with severe loss a large force of Rookies, which had the effect of quieting the tribes. He was mentioned in despatches and received the thanks of the Government on every occasion of being under fire. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on Jan. 20th 1870 and retired with the honorary rank of Colonel Aug. 1st 1872.
Obituary Courtesy of Grace's Guide.

More Information

Good overall appearance
There are one or two scratches and paint loss, to the cheek and to the right of his mouth
There is a small tear and paint loss just above the held glove in his right hand.
The frame is a little tired with traces of historic woodworm