Sir John Lawrence, Viceroy of India 1863 – 1869 later Lord Lawrence of the Punjab.

A carte de visite, by Elliott & Fry, 55 Baker Street, Portman Square, London full length, his hand resting on a sword. This unusual cdv was probably taken after Lawrence’s return from India, the somewhat theatrical pose is uncharacteristic of a man who was often known as plain John Lawrence and whose time at Government House was seen as dull by Calcutta society. Whereas all the other Viceroys were titled during their reigns Lawrence was not raised to the peerage until his return to England in 1869 and then only as a Baron. There appears to be a pencil mark on his hair. The reverse of the card is lightly impressed along the lower edge MARION & CO, LONDON – probably a retailer’s mark.         may15/1