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Sir John Charles Robinson

(1824-1913), Etcher, museum curator, Art collector and connoisseur

Sitter in 4 portraits
Robinson trained as a painter in Paris. He returned to England in 1847 and taught at the School of Design in Hanley, Staffordshire. In 1852, he was appointed Curator of the Museum of Ornamental Art at Marlborough House. The collection moved in 1857 to become part of the newly established South Kensington (now the Victoria and Albert) Museum. Robinson built up the museum's collection, notably that of Italian Renaissance sculpture. In the 1860s, he travelled to Spain and Portugal, acquiring many works of art. In 1856, Robinson organised a collectors' club that held receptions and exhibitions. Known as the Fine Arts Club, in 1866 it merged with the Burlington Fine Arts Club, with Robinson as the first president.

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Sir John Charles Robinson, by John James Napier - NPG 2543

Sir John Charles Robinson

by John James Napier
oil on canvas
NPG 2543

Private View of the Old Masters Exhibition, Royal Academy, 1888, by Henry Jamyn Brooks - NPG 1833

Private View of the Old Masters Exhibition, Royal Academy, 1888

by Henry Jamyn Brooks
oil on canvas, 1889
NPG 1833

Sir John Charles Robinson, by G. Robinson - NPG D42338

Sir John Charles Robinson

by G. Robinson
etching, 1880s-1890s
NPG D42338

Key to Private View of the Old Masters Exhibition, Royal Academy, 1888, after Henry Jamyn Brooks - NPG D42236

Key to Private View of the Old Masters Exhibition, Royal Academy, 1888

after Henry Jamyn Brooks
photograph, 1919 or after
NPG D42236

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