The Story of Benjamin West, Quaker Artist
By Tom Leverett 
©1998 All Rights Reserved

Narrator 
Joshua (Father) 
Anne (Mother) 
Benjamin 
Nutu 
King George III 

Narrator [with sign saying "1745"]: 
This story starts out in a little cabin near Philadelphia, where Swarthmore College is today. Benjamin West was born on October 10, which his parents called Tenth Month 10, in 1738. He was their seventh child. The Wests also had a cat, whose name was Grimalkin, and who little Benjamin was very fond of. One day, when Benjamin was 6, he was left to babysit his infant niece, Sally.

[Anne, Joshua, and Benjamin come forward]

ANNE: 
Young Benjamin drew a wonderful picture of little Sally today, Joshua. I believe he has artistic talent.

JOSHUA:
Yes, but I fear that the elders of the meeting don't approve. The clerk said yesterday that art is too frivolous for pious people.

BENJAMIN:
Do they mean I can't do my art? But that's all I want to do!

JOSHUA:
Springfield meeting is holding a special session to discuss it. The question is whether to allow thee to continue with this pursuit.

BENJAMIN:
If I can't draw pictures, I don't want to be a Quaker! I'll run away!

ANNE:
Now, now, Benjamin, hold thy tongue. Father, surely thou will put in a good word for Benjamin?

JOSHUA:
Yes, of course. Run along now, Benjamin.

[Nutu appears, Joshua and Anne leave]

BENJAMIN:
I'm going to run away from this place!

NUTU:
Run away, why?

BENJAMIN:
Because, they won't let me paint! Besides, I have no colors!

NUTU:
No colors? Why, just use red and yellow, like me! [shows his face]

BENJAMIN:
How do you make that?

NUTU:
Clay mixed with animal fat, of course.

BENJAMIN:
I also need a brush—what do you make a brush with?

NUTU:
Animal tail.

BENJAMIN:
Grimalkin!

[They leave—-then Benjamin runs around the stage, chasing an imaginary cat.]

BENJAMIN:
Grimalkin! Come here. Grimalkin! [he leaves]

[Joshua and Anne arrive]

JOSHUA: 
Well, after some discussion, the meeting decided to let Benjamin paint, and support him in it.

ANNE:
That is good. He got some red and yellow paints from his friend Nutu. I also gave him some indigo. So now he has his primary colors, and he has been mixing them. He is really very talented. We should have some brushes brought from Philadelphia.

JOSHUA:
[looking down]: Grimalkin! (to Anne): Have you noticed that Grimalkin is looking very sick? He has lost ALL of the hair on his tail!  I'm afraid he has a terrible disease!

ANNE:
Poor Grimalkin!

[they leave: Narrator appears with sign saying "1765"]

[Benjamin and Nutu appear]

NUTU:
Where have you been? The last time I saw you, you were playing truant from school in order to paint. That was many years ago.

BENJAMIN:
As soon as I sold enough portraits, I went to Philadelphia for art school, and then to London. I have also been to Italy. Now, I have returned to get married, but I will go back to London soon.

NUTU:
London? Italy? Where are they?

[They leave. King George III enters, carrying a sign that says "1792," and the painting by Benjamin West]

King George III:
Oh, the life of a king is so dreary. I am being driven to distraction by the many courtiers and office seekers surrounding me. All I really care about is advancing the cause of art in England. And Sir Joshua Reynolds, the first president of the Royal Academy, will soon retire. What shall I do? [thinks] I've got it! I shall appoint that lad from the colonies, Benjamin West, who painted that fine portrait of Queen Charlotte. Though everyone paints people in classical costumes, this lad paints them in modern clothing. And sometimes, [showing picture], in no clothing at all! This picture shows William Perm's Treaty with the Indians. The American Raphael, they call him! Go get that young West! 

[Benjamin appears]

BENJAMIN:
Yes?

KING GEORGE III:
I am appointing thee second president of the Royal Academy. Thou shall have all the brushes and paints that thou desire. I offer thee knighthood. From this day forward, thou shall be known as Sir Benjamin West! 

BENJAMIN:
I am pleased by thy offer, and would be glad to serve thee as president, but please do not make me a knight. I covet no title except "Friend." 

KING GEORGE III:
Such a modest boy! And faithful, to his Quaker upbringing!

(CURTAIN CALL)