Thomas Arnold (1795–1842) was born at West Cowes, Isle of Wight. He was a Scholar of Winchester College, 1807-1811; Commoner of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, 1811-1814, Fellow of Oriel College, Oxford, 1815-1819; Headmaster of Rugby School, 1828-1842.

This painting is based on Thomas Phillips’ portrait of Arnold (1839) in the National Portrait Gallery, or perhaps on Thomas Holl’s engraving after it (1844).

Fearon may have given this portrait as an exhibit for the College’s Memorial Buildings, which opened in 1897 and included a section devoted to illustrious Old Wykehamists (see The Wykehamist, May 1897, no. 554, pp. 299-300).

Provenance: Given by W.A. Fearon (Headmaster) in 1897

Location: College Tutor’s Flat