A sketch of Gee's farm, the seat of blinking Billy, William Heath, 1830

Lord william pitt lennox, young, handsome, and fashionable, stands on tiptoe, shading his eyes and looking to the left. In his left hand is an open and empty bird-cage; a tray of food hangs down, spilling its contents. He wears a tight-waisted blue coat with white trousers, and spurred boots, his hat, gloves, and riding-switch are at his feet, near a large sheet of music with the words of a song: 'whither ye wanton would ye be—half so happy as with me—stay here and sing &c'. He says: 'my singing bird escaped, no doubt she has flown to the wood, and by this time in the very bosom of it—how d—d unfortunate a man cannot see thro a wood with both eyes'. On the edge of a wood in the middle distance, partly hidden by a tree (left), a man helps a lady into a carriage. In the background, in a park-like setting, is a tiny cottage ornée with a veranda. By it is a signpost: 'gee's farm'. June 9 1830 hand-coloured etching. Date: 1830. Dimensions: Height: 372 mm; ; Width: 261 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Lord William Pitt Lennox. Collection: British Museum. A sketch of Gee's farm, the seat of blinking Billy (BM 1868,0808.9177)