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Thomas Hobson

(1544?-1631), The Cambridge Carrier and perpetrator of 'Hobson's choice'

Sitter in 5 portraits
Hobson was a carrier from Cambridge who refused to hire his horses out of their proper turn. The expression 'Hobson's choice' derived from his habit of offering his customers 'either this one or none'.

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Thomas Hobson, by Unknown artist - NPG 1972

Thomas Hobson

by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, 17th century? based on a work on 1629
NPG 1972

Thomas Hobson, by John Payne - NPG D28489

Thomas Hobson

by John Payne
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D28489

Thomas Hobson, by John Payne, published by  Peter Stent - NPG D28491

Thomas Hobson

by John Payne, published by Peter Stent
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D28491

Thomas Hobson, after John Payne, published by  William Richardson - NPG D28488

Thomas Hobson

after John Payne, published by William Richardson
etching and line engraving, late 18th to early 19th century
NPG D28488

Thomas Hobson, after John Payne - NPG D28490

Thomas Hobson

after John Payne
line engraving, published 1793
NPG D28490

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