A three-quarter length polychrome figurehead of William Wilberforce (1759-1833) believed to be from a brig-rigged merchant ship. Wilberforce is depicted in a black suit with pale cream waistcoat and white shirt. The shirt has a high collar with a black bow tie. His right arm is missing and the left leg broken off and the end painted over. His left hand is in the pocket of his trousers.

William Wilberforce was a good friend of William Pitt the Younger, who encouraged him to focus on the abolition of the slave trade. Along with many others, he campaigned for years against Britain’s involvement in the inhuman trade, finally achieving success in 1807. Wilberforce then participated in the move to abolish slavery in the British colonies, which was achieved in 1833, a month after he died. As a prominent politician and evangelical Christian, he supported other causes like animal welfare and lifesaving at sea. Through his published works, speaking tours, portraits and prints, he was a familiar public figure.