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Maria Emma Gray

(1787-1876), Conchologist and algologist; wife of John Edward Gray

Sitter in 3 portraits
In 1842, Gray published five volumes of her etchings in Figures of Molluscan Animals for the use of Students and later organised and arranged Hugh Cuming's vast collection of shells at The British Museum. One of her main passions and areas of expertise was algae, bequeathing her own collection to Cambridge University Museum. Her second husband, the zoologist John Edward Gray, named two species of Lizard, Calotes maria and Calotes emma in her honour. He recognised her contribution to his own work, by having a bronze medallion, now in the National Portrait Gallery's collection, feature both of their portraits.

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Maria Emma Gray; John Edward Gray

by London School of Photography
albumen carte-de-visite, 1863
NPG Ax16397

Maria Emma Gray

by George J. Stodart, after J. Ayling
stipple engraving, mid 19th century
NPG D8917

John Edward Gray; Maria Emma Gray

by George Gammon Adams
bronze medal, 1863
NPG D7205

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John Edward Gray (husband)

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Maria Emma Gray