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Acton Smee Ayrton

(1816-1886), Barrister and Liberal politician; MP for Tower Hamlets

Sitter in 7 portraits
After leaving school Ayrton trained as a solicitor and practised in Bombay, returning in 1851 with a moderate fortune. He was called to the Bar as a barrister in 1853. Ayrton entered Parliament as a Liberal MP in 1857 and proved to be a staunch reformer. He served as First Commissioner of Works from 1869 until 1873 and subsequently as Judge Advocate General. He was appointed as a privy counsellor in 1869.

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Acton Smee Ayrton, by Carlo Pellegrini - NPG 4713

Acton Smee Ayrton

by Carlo Pellegrini
watercolour, published in Vanity Fair 23 October 1869
NPG 4713

Acton Smee Ayrton, by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company - NPG Ax28457

Acton Smee Ayrton

by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1873
NPG Ax28457

Acton Smee Ayrton ('Statesmen, No. 34.'), by Carlo Pellegrini - NPG D43402

Acton Smee Ayrton ('Statesmen, No. 34.')

by Carlo Pellegrini
chromolithograph, published in Vanity Fair 23 October 1869
NPG D43402

Acton Smee Ayrton ('Art'), published by Frederick Arnold, after Unknown artist - NPG D48238

Acton Smee Ayrton ('Art')

published by Frederick Arnold, after Unknown artist
lithograph, published in the Hornet 31 May 1871
NPG D48238

Acton Smee Ayrton, by Faustin Betbeder ('Faustin') - NPG D23034

Acton Smee Ayrton

by Faustin Betbeder ('Faustin')
chromolithograph, 1874
NPG D23034

Web image not currently available

Acton Smee Ayrton

by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company
albumen carte-de-visite, circa 1873
NPG Ax8598

Web image not currently available

Acton Smee Ayrton

by Maull & Fox
platinum print, late 1870s
NPG x8449

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