Sir John Charles Robinson
(1824-1913), Etcher, museum curator, Art collector and connoisseurSitter 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.
by John James Napier
oil on canvas
NPG 2543
Private View of the Old Masters Exhibition, Royal Academy, 1888
by Henry Jamyn Brooks
oil on canvas, 1889
NPG 1833
Key to Private View of the Old Masters Exhibition, Royal Academy, 1888
after Henry Jamyn Brooks
photograph, 1919 or after
NPG D42236
Tell us more back to top
Can you tell us more about this person? Spotted an error, information that is missing (a sitter’s life dates, occupation or family relationships, or a date of portrait for example) or do you know anything that we don't know? If you have information to share please complete the form below.
If you require information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service. You can buy a print of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at £6 for unframed prints, £25 for framed prints. If you wish to license an image, please use our Rights and Images service.
Please note that we cannot provide valuations.
We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.