George Meredith

Date of birth: 1828 — Date of death: 1909

Writer. Modelled for Henry Wallis's (1830-1916) 1855-6 painting 'The Death of Chatterton'. Meredith's first wife, Mary Ellen Nicolls, eloped with Wallis soon after the painting was finished. Married Maria Vulliamy, 1864. A significant figure in 19th century literary and artistic circles. Succeeded Lord Tennyson as President of the Society of Authors. Awarded the Order of Merit (1905)