Pair of Hand Coloured Hunting Aquatints

Pair of Hand Coloured Aquatints ''The Death of Tom Moody'' & ''The Burial Of Tom Moody''. ''The Burial'' engraved by C Rozenburg and ''The Death'' by Edward Duncan. Both were originally published by W J Wade 1831.

Tom Moody was “Whipper-In” at Willey Hall in the 18th century. He had a macabre fear of being buried alive. Came the time Tom felt his end was near, he asked to see his master, Lord Forester, to leave with him one last request – a call to awake before he was laid six feet under.

“When I am dead, I wish to be buried at Barrow under the Yew trees, in the churchyard there. And to be carried to the grave by six earth stoppers and my old horse, with my whip, boots, spurs and cap slung on each side of the saddle. And the brush of the last fox when I was up at the death at the side of the forelock, and two couples of old hounds to follow me to the grave as mourners. When I am laid in the grave, let three halloos be given over to me and then, if I don’t lift my head, you may fairly conclude that Tom Moody is dead”.

Old Tom was mistaken in his premonition. His request was followed to the letter. Tom Moody did not rise at the three halloos. His grave, covered by a slab, carries the inscription: “Tom Moody. Buried Nov. 19th 1796”. He may not have risen then, but Tom is often seen still, his faithful hound at his side. Paintings and drawings of his always include a second Tom Moody. His ghost, forever the Whipper-In at Willey Hall.

Burial 51 x 45 cms & Death 56 x 45 cms

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