Davies Gilbert
(1767-1839), Scientist and antiquary; President of the Royal SocietyDavies Gilbert (formerly Giddy)
Regency Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 9 portraits
Gilbert (born Giddy) was a significant figure in the scientific community of his day. Although he published little, his importance to the development of science lay in his tireless parliamentary promotion of scientific ventures. An MP from 1804, he entered debate on numerous political questions. However, scientific matters and Cornish concerns were always paramount to him. He was also a firm opponent of measures to extend the franchise, voting against them consistently. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society from 1791 and was elected its President in 1820. The same year saw him elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, a reflection of his research into antiquarian, literary, and historical matters.
by William Brockedon
chalk, 1838
NPG 2515(88)
Men of Science Living in 1807-8
by Sir John Gilbert, and Frederick John Skill, and William Walker, and Elizabeth Walker (née Reynolds)
pencil and wash, 1858-1862
NPG 1075
Engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8'
by George Zobel, and William Walker
engraving, 1862
NPG 1075a
Key to engraving after 'Men of Science Living in 1807-8'
by William Walker
engraving, 1862
NPG 1075b
by E.F.H., printed by Jérémie Graf
lithograph, early 19th century
NPG D2768
by Samuel Cousins, after Henry Howard
mezzotint, 1828
NPG D2766
by Samuel Cousins, after Henry Howard
mezzotint, 1828
NPG D2767
attributed to Gideon Algernon Mantell
pencil and chalk, circa 1830
NPG D2171
'A few of the Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries'
after Daniel Maclise
pen and ink, (published 1832)
NPG D34553
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