This figure is painted by experienced Irish artists and was designed by internationally famous miniature designer Chris Tubb. Parnell (1846-1891) was the son of a wealthy, land owning Protestant family. At twenty nine he decided to enter the political arena in support of Irish Home Rule in 1878. Within 2 years of being elected M.P. for County Dublin, he was made chairman of the Irish Political Party in Westminister. Parnell's speeches electrified Ireland. He became a national hero for his support of the Land League, fighting to lessen the grip of the land-lords of their impoverished tenants. By 1880 this campaign had developed into a united demand for Home Rule and Parnell forced a vote on the issue in Westminister. It was narrowly defeated, but this in itself was proof enough that Home Rule was not an idle dream. This seed planted by Parnell took root in the hearts of young Irishmen and blossomed into the 1916 Rising and finally independence in 1922. Parnell's fall came suddenly. In 1890 he was cited as co-respondant in a divorce case and found guilty. Through this he lost the leadership of the Irish party and despite a nationwide campaign his popularity slipped away. He died at the age of 45 on October 7th 1891. This range of 54mm pewter figures are mounted on wooden plints with metal plagues that have the embossed name of the figure.