Later Victorian Portraits Catalogue

Builder and philanthropist; born 7 April 1814. With financial assistance from publican father acquired plots in Belgravia and built 40 houses 1838–43; in next five decades collaborated with Grosvenor Estate on numerous building projects and significantly developed area around South Kensington; central force behind development of Smith’s Charity Estate, including the area around Onslow Square, 48–78 Fulham Road, and St Jude’s, St Paul’s and St Peter’s churches; moved into one of his own houses at 21 Cromwell Road, 1860, which became social hub for guests including Prince of Wales and Duke of Edinburgh; at own expense built National Training School for Music (building designed by H.H. Cole) 1874–5, which was succeeded by Royal College of Music (founded 1883) at another site; created baronet 1882; married second wife (after first died in childbirth) Eliza Pudsey Wright 1844; died 6 October 1884, buried at Brompton Cemetery.

Elizabeth Heath

Referencesback to top

Harris & Ormond 1976
Harris, E., and R. Ormond, Vanity Fair: An Exhibition of Original Cartoons, exh. cat., NPG, London, 1976.