Arthur DevisBreaking-Up Day at Dr Clayton's School at Salford c.1738

This unusual informal group portrait, or 'conversation piece', represents Dr John Clayton (1709-73), founder of Salford Grammar School, with ten of his pupils and a fellow teacher, at the end of their school term. Dr Clayton stands at the far left of the picture, at the entrance to his school, in his wig and blue velvet gown. In his hand he holds a scroll, containing a Latin quotation from the classical poet Horace (65-8 BC): 'Nunc adbibe puro | Pectore Verba Puer' ('Now drink in these Words with a pure heart, boy). Before Dr Clayton is a group of boys, one of whom is about to read from a book… (read more)