Sir William Schwenck Gilbert

Sitterback to top

• Sir William Schwenck Gilbert (1836-1911), Poet, dramatist and librettist of the 'Savoy' operas. Sitter associated with 10 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Francis Montague ('Frank') Holl (1845-1888), Painter and son of Francis Holl. Artist associated with 17 portraits, Sitter in 5 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The rather gloomy appearance of this gentleman, with his military moustache, high-necked collar and hunting crop belies the fact that he was one half of the immortal partnership of Gilbert and Sullivan, responsible for some of Britain's greatest comic operas. Gilbert qualified for the bar but abandoned it to write libretti for Sir Arthur Sullivan's music. Their work included HMS Pinafore (1878), Iolanthe (1882), The Mikado (1885), and The Yeoman of the Guard (1888). In this portrait Gilbert, who was obliged to ride for two hours everyday in order to alleviate his gout, wears hunting dress.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Audio Guide
• Cooper, John, A Guide to the National Portrait Gallery, 2009, p. 44
• Funnell, Peter (introduction); Marsh, Jan, A Guide to Victorian and Edwardian Portraits, 2011, p. 31
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery: An Illustrated Guide, 2000, p. 157
• Saumarez Smith, Charles, The National Portrait Gallery, 1997, p. 158
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 247
• Simon, Jacob, The Art of the Picture Frame: Artists, Patrons and the Framing of Portraits in Britain, 1997 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 8 November 1996 - 9 February 1997), p. 106