The Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. Search over 215,000 works, 150,000 of which are illustrated from the 16th Century to the present day.

Advanced Collection search

Search the Collection

Sir Ben Turner

(1863-1942), Trade unionist

Sitter in 5 portraits
Ben Turner was a founder member of the Independent Labour Party in 1893, and played a role in national Labour politics. However, he is best remembered as a trade union leader. He was a leading figure of Yorkshire woollen trade unionism. After part-time union work, in 1892 he became Secretary of the Heavy Woollen district branch of the West Yorkshire Power-loom Weavers' Association. Turner was on the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party between 1903 and 1921, when he retired in favour of serving on the General Council of the TUC. He was the first President of the National Union of Textile Workers (1922-33) and served as President of the Trades Union Congress in 1927-8.

Tell us More

 Like voting
is closed

Thanks for Liking

Please Like other favourites!
If they inspire you please support our work.

Make a donation

List Thumbnail

Sir Ben Turner, by Sir David Low - NPG 4529(366)

Sir Ben Turner

by Sir David Low
pencil, 1920s or 1930s?
NPG 4529(366)

Sir Ben Turner, by Sir David Low - NPG 4529(367)

Sir Ben Turner

by Sir David Low
pencil, 1920s or 1930s?
NPG 4529(367)

Sir Ben Turner, by Bassano Ltd - NPG x84013

Sir Ben Turner

by Bassano Ltd
bromide print, 1923
NPG x84013

Sir Ben Turner, by Bassano Ltd - NPG x122374

Sir Ben Turner

by Bassano Ltd
whole-plate glass negative, 23 February 1923
NPG x122374

Web image not currently available

Sir Ben Turner

by Elliott & Fry
bromide print
NPG x91539

Category

Place

Links

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.

What can you tell us?close

There are occasions when we are unsure of the identity of a sitter or artist, their life dates, occupation or have not recorded their family relationships. Sometimes we have not recorded the date of a portrait. Do you have specialist knowledge or a particular interest about any aspect of the portrait or sitter or artist that you can share with us? We would welcome any information that adds to and enhances our information and understanding about a particular portrait, sitter or artist.

Citationclose

How do you know this? Please could you let us know your source of information.

* Permission to publish (Privacy information)
Privacy Informationclose

The National Portrait Gallery will NOT use your information to contact you or store for any other purpose than to investigate or display your contribution. By ticking permission to publish you are indicating your agreement for your contribution to be shown on this collection item page. Please note your email address will not be displayed on the page nor will it be used for any marketing material or promotion of any kind.

Please ensure your comments are relevant and appropriate. Your contributions must be polite and with no intention of causing trouble. All contributions are moderated.

Your Emailclose

Contributions are moderated. We'll need your email address so that we can follow up on the information provided and contact you to let you know when your contribution has been published.

Listen

Pioneer Podcasts

Listen to a series of podcasts exploring the lives of pioneering women, past and present.

Explore the podcasts

Untitled, c.1973 (Alex Chilton) by William Eggleston © Eggleston Artistic Trust

Eggleston Playlist

William Eggleston was closely associated with the alternative music scene in Memphis. Revisit our 2016 exhibition and listen to a special playlist.

Listen to the playlist

Archive interviews

Links to audio and transcripts of interviews with artists, sitters and historic recordings.

Watch, listen and read