John Wilkins
(1614-1672), Bishop of ChesterSitter in 6 portraits
A Founder Fellow of the Royal Society and first Secretary, 1663-68. Wilkins was a Parliamentarian who prospered under the Commonwealth. He was appointed Master of Wadham College, Oxford, 1648, where he established an experimental science club which was the principle forerunner of the Royal Society. He married Oliver Cromwell's sister Robina in 1656. His political allegiance meant that he was dismissed from his posts at the Restoration but he soon re-established his position and was appointed Bishop of Chester in 1668. Wilkins was an active Fellow and published papers on astronomy, cryptography, a universal logical language and travelling to the moon.
after Mary Beale
line engraving, late 17th to early 18th century
NPG D29558
by Robert White
line engraving, late 17th century
NPG D29559
by Abraham Blooteling (Bloteling), after Mary Beale
line engraving, (circa 1670)
NPG D39236
by Abraham Blooteling (Bloteling), after Mary Beale
line engraving, (circa 1670)
NPG D19054
possibly by John Sturt, after Mary Beale
line engraving, published 1691
NPG D29557
after Mary Beale
line engraving, early to mid 18th century
NPG D29556
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