John Brown; Queen Victoria

Sittersback to top

• John Brown (1826-1883), Gillie and personal servant of Queen Victoria. Sitter in 11 portraits.
• Queen Victoria (1819-1901), Reigned 1837-1901. Sitter associated with 444 portraits, Artist associated with 5 portraits.

Artistback to top

• W. & D. Downey (active 1855-1940). Artist associated with 785 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The Queen is shown about to go riding, attended by her faithful servant and companion John Brown. When Brown died the Queen described him as 'my best & truest friend, - as I was his' and, much to the disapproval of her family, organised elaborate tributes to him.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Rogers, Malcolm, Camera Portraits, 1989 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 20 October 1989 - 21 January 1990), p. 87
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 634
• Williamson, David, The National Portrait Gallery: History of the Kings and Queens of England, 1998, p. 152
• Williamson, David, Kings and Queens, 2010, p. 147

Portrait setback to top

• The Balmoral album: photographs by George Washington Wilson, W. & D. Downey and Henry John Whitlock, 1854-68

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Double portraits
• Pets and animals
• Servants, slaves and attendants
• Transport and vehicles