(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill)
(1821-1864), ActorEarly Victorian Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 14 portraits
Having served some time as an apprentice to a London engraver, he started his stage career as an amateur actor. His first professional engagement was in 1842 at a small theatre on the first floor of a private house in Whitstable; he spent some time acting in the provinces before moving to London. He came to prominence during six years spent at a theatre in Hoxton where he appeared in established comedies as well as creating many comic roles and songs. After 1853 he was regularly engaged at the Olympic Theatre, where he became recognised as the greatest comic actor of his day. He was said to combine all the gifts of a low comedian with a rare degree of gravity, passion and intensity.
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill)
by Herbert Watkins
albumen print, corners diagonally cut, late 1850s
NPG P301(132)
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill)
by Herbert Watkins
albumen print, arched top, late 1850s
NPG P301(133)
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill) as Medea
by Herbert Watkins
albumen print, late 1850s
NPG P301(134)
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill)
by Camille Silvy
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1859
NPG x22077
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill) as Pawkins in 'Retained for the Defence'
after Camille Silvy
albumen carte-de-visite, May 1859
NPG x22083
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill)
by Camille Silvy
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1859
NPG x22076
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill)
after Camille Silvy
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1859
NPG x22081
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill)
after Camille Silvy
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1859
NPG x22080
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill)
after Camille Silvy
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1859
NPG x197151
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill) as Samson Burr; Horace Wigan in 'The Porter's Knot'
by Caldesi, Blanford & Co, published by Heath & Beau
albumen carte-de-visite, early 1860s
NPG x22078
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill)
by Mayall
albumen carte-de-visite, early 1860s
NPG x22084
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill)
by Adolphe Paul Auguste Beau
albumen carte-de-visite, mid 1860s
NPG x22079
(Thomas) Frederick Robson (né Brownbill)
by Unknown photographer
albumen print
NPG x22075
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