Will Crooks
(1852-1921), Trade unionist, member of the Fabian Society and Labour politician; MP for WoolwichWilliam ('Will') Crooks
Sitter associated with 13 portraits
Will Crooks was a noted trade unionist and politician, and a member of the Fabian Society. He is particularly remembered for his campaigning work against poverty and inequality. Crooks grew up in extreme poverty after his father, a ship's stoker, lost an arm in an accident. The family spent some time in a workhouse and the children were separated from their parents and sent to a poor-law school. As an adult he became active in local politics, and served as London's first Labour mayor in 1901. Crooks entered Parliament as a Labour MP in 1903 where he campaigned for improvements to poor-law schooling and old age pensions.
published by Rotary Photographic Co Ltd
bromide postcard print, 1900s
NPG x197758
by Benjamin Stone
platinum print, 2 July 1905
NPG x15742
'The Labour Group in the House of Commons, Photographed Feb. 13th 1906 on the Terrace'
probably after Charles Henry Park
halftone postcard print, 1906 (13 February 1906)
NPG x193150
'Labour Members of Parliament and their wives who visited Germany in the Spring of 1909'
by Benjamin Stone
platinum print, 1909
NPG x36285
'Party of Labour Members of Parliament and their wives who visited Germany in the Spring of 1909'
by Benjamin Stone
platinum print, 1909
NPG x36245
Will Crooks ('Men of the Day. No. 948. "The Labourer is worthy of his hire' - Jehu Junior"')
by Sir Leslie Ward
chromolithograph, published in Vanity Fair 6 April 1905
NPG D45269
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