William Thomas Stead
(1849-1912), Journalist, newspaper editor and spiritualistSitter in 12 portraits
Apprenticed in a merchant's office at Newcastle-on-Tyne, Stead moved into journalism, and in 1871 became editor of the Darlington Northern Echo. In 1880 he went to London as Assistant Editor of the Pall Mall Gazette becoming Editorial Director three years later. In 1885, he started a crusade against child prostitution in a series of articles entitled 'The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon'. To demonstrate the truth of his revelations, he arranged the 'purchase' of the thirteen-year old daughter of a chimney sweep. This campaign forced the government to raise the age of consent for young girls and to restrict white slavery and juvenile prostitution by passing the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885.
by Sydney Prior Hall
pencil, 1888-1889
NPG 2288
by Sydney Prior Hall
pencil, published in The Graphic 2 March 1889
NPG 2250
Sir Thomas Wemyss Reid; William Thomas Stead
by Sydney Prior Hall
pencil, published in The Graphic 2 March 1889
NPG 2257
by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company
albumen cabinet card, August 1890
NPG x24952
by London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company
carbon print, circa 1890
NPG x24954
by Medrington's Ltd
albumen cabinet card, October 1892
NPG x12923
by W. & D. Downey, published by Cassell & Company, Ltd
carbon print, published 1893
NPG Ax16176
by A.D. Lewis
albumen cabinet card, 1894
NPG x12924
by Unknown photographer
bromide postcard print, circa 1907
NPG x24955
by Unknown photographer
snapshot print, 1911
NPG x24953
by E.H. Mills
platinum print, published 1912
NPG x134965
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