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The Pigott forgery
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The Pigott forgery
Richard Pigott, (1835-1889), an Irish journalist who is best know for forging a number of letters. He later admitted his crime, fled to Spain and committed suicide in 1889. Date: 1887
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Media ID 7177061
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10509251
1887 Crime Criminal Forgery Forging Journalist Letters Pigott
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures the enigmatic figure of Richard Pigott (1835-1889), an Irish journalist whose name is indelibly linked to one of the most intriguing scandals of the late 19th century. Best known for his literary forgeries, Pigott gained notoriety in 1887 when he was exposed for creating a series of fabricated letters that were published in various British newspapers. These letters, purportedly from various historical figures, included correspondence from Napoleon Bonaparte, Lord Nelson, and other notable personalities. The deception came to light when a number of inconsistencies and anachronisms in the letters were discovered, leading to a public outcry and a thorough investigation. Pigott, who had previously enjoyed a successful career as a journalist and author, was eventually identified as the forger. In the face of mounting evidence and public shame, he confessed to his crimes and fled to Spain, where he took his own life in 1889. This photograph, taken in the late 1880s, offers a glimpse into the life of a man whose literary prowess and deception brought him both fame and infamy. With his piercing gaze and serious expression, Pigott appears to be a man of intellect and cunning, a master of words who used his talents for deceit rather than truth. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human nature and the consequences of deceit.
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