The Remarkable General Charleton

Featuring in our July Fine Art sale is a fascinating collection of 38 lots on paper, removed from a substantial 19th century album which has been in the possession of the same family since it was compiled.

These works have not been previously seen and colours are fresh as the day they were painted over 160 years ago. The majority of the works were executed by Thomas Remnant Charleston with a smaller number by his daughter Sophia and some by other hands. 

Thomas Remnant Charleton was the son of Major George 'Paddy' Charleton, born on Jersey in 1756. A different family album written by his grand daughter relates his career: 'Appointed a cadet at Woolwich on the 1st April 1768, promoted to second lieutenant the 17th June 1772. Embarked with the two companies of artillery for North America in June 1775, joined the army under the command of marquis Cornwallis at the Cove of Cork, Ireland....on 2nd Sept 1776 the army from South America joined General Sir William Howe at Staten Island, served on Long Island, employed in the battery of Hillgate, at the taking of New York, at the battle of White Plains and at Rhode Island, he was at the expedition up the Hudson River under Colonel Bird....Embarked with the army for the Pennsylvania campaign, was at the Battle of Brandywine and employed on the batteries at the taking of Mud Island on the Delaware; remained in the field until January 1778, when the army retired into winter quarters, Delaware.....Served in the campaign of South Carolina, was at the taking of Charlestown, at the evacuation of that place, returned with the army to New York; was promoted to Captain Lieutenant 1st December 1782...embarked for England in Nov. 1783...Was promoted to a Company 26th Nov 1792 and was ordered to Newfoundland where he commanded the garrison for some time. Was appointed Major in the army 1st March 1794 and Lieutenant General 1st Jan 1798.

Promoted to a majority in the Regiment the 16th July 1799 when he returned to England and was appointed to the command of the artillery in British North America in 1800 under the command of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent and proceeded to Halifax where he arrived in June....' Further promotions followed up to General in 1837. He retired to Bath where he lived at 8 Lansdown Place East, and died there in May 1849 aged 93.

The works in this collection were painted in his retirement whilst in his eighties, many taken from famous prints of the day or studies from his local area in Bath. They demonstrate a remarkable second string to his bow, following an exceptional military career.