Thomas Henry Huxley

Sitterback to top

• Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-1895), Biologist and science educationist. Sitter in 45 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Marion Collier (née Huxley) (1859-1887), Painter; first wife of John Collier. Artist of 6 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.

This portraitback to top

A key figure in Victorian scientific life, Thomas Henry Huxley made important discoveries in several branches of biology. He was a vigorous champion of Darwin and tended to antagonise moderate opinion by his abrasive style of speaking. Huxley worked tirelessly to improve scientific education and served on many Royal Commissions on education and public health. This portrait of him is by his daughter Marian who married the artist John Collier in 1879. Marion Collier studied at the Slade and, in the early 1880s, exhibited works at the Royal Academy and the Grosvenor Gallery. After the birth of a daughter the artist suffered from severe depression and in 1887 she caught pneumonia and died.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 324

Subject/Themeback to top

• Eyeglasses and spectacles