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William Henry Smith Collection

Ideal and Real: William Henry Smith (1825-1891) W H Smith, a man of many titles and accomplishments, left an indelible mark on British history

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: William Henry Smith

William Henry Smith
3586492 William Henry Smith; (add.info.: Portrait of William Henry Smith (1825-1891) an English bookseller and newsagent of the family firm W. H. Smith

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: William Henry Smith

William Henry Smith
3118261 William Henry Smith; (add.info.: Photographic portrait of William Henry Smith (1825-1891) an English Member of Parliament, bookseller and newsagent of the family firm W H Smith

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: Portrait of William Henry Smith

Portrait of William Henry Smith
672556 Portrait of William Henry Smith; (add.info.: William Henry Smith (24 June 1825 - 6 October 1891) was an English bookseller and newsagent of the family firm W H Smith

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: William Henry Smith (1825-1891)

William Henry Smith (1825-1891)
863457 William Henry Smith (1825-1891); (add.info.: William Henry Smith (1825-1891), son of William Henry Smith (1792-1865), English businessman and politician

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: The Late Right Honourable W.H.Smith, M.P. 1825-1891, 1891. Creator: Unknown

The Late Right Honourable W.H.Smith, M.P. 1825-1891, 1891. Creator: Unknown
The Late Right Honourable W.H.Smith, M.P. 1825-1891, 1891. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 44. July to December, 1891

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: Ideal and Real': William Henry Smith (1825-1891)

Ideal and Real': William Henry Smith (1825-1891)
865029 Ideal and Real': William Henry Smith (1825-1891) by Furniss, Harry (1854-1925); (add.info.: Ideal and Real': William Henry Smith (1825-1891), son of William Henry Smith (1792-1865)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: W H Smith (colour litho)

W H Smith (colour litho)
613677 W H Smith (colour litho) by Cecioni, Adriano (1838-86); Private Collection; (add.info.: W H Smith (William Henry Smith), Newspapers, 9 March 1872

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: W H Smith, Esquire, MP (engraving)

W H Smith, Esquire, MP (engraving)
1057387 W H Smith, Esquire, MP (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: W H Smith, Esquire, MP)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: Mr W H Smith, MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury (engraving)

Mr W H Smith, MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury (engraving)
1105613 Mr W H Smith, MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mr W H Smith, MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: The Right Honourable W H Smith, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports (b / w photo)

The Right Honourable W H Smith, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports (b / w photo)
1591830 The Right Honourable W H Smith, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Right Honourable W H Smith)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: The Right Honourable W H Smith opening the South Gare Breakwater, at the Mouth of the Tees

The Right Honourable W H Smith opening the South Gare Breakwater, at the Mouth of the Tees
1595771 The Right Honourable W H Smith opening the South Gare Breakwater, at the Mouth of the Tees, near Middlesbrough (engraving) by Townsend

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: The Right Honourable W H Smith, MP, First Lord of the Treasury (engraving)

The Right Honourable W H Smith, MP, First Lord of the Treasury (engraving)
1594656 The Right Honourable W H Smith, MP, First Lord of the Treasury (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Right Honourable W H Smith, MP)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: W H Smith

W H Smith
LLM455515 W H Smith by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: W H Smith. Illustration from The Modern Portrait Gallery (Cassell, c 1880).); © Look and Learn

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: Sketches in the House of Commons during the Debates on Procedure (engraving)

Sketches in the House of Commons during the Debates on Procedure (engraving)
1622169 Sketches in the House of Commons during the Debates on Procedure (engraving) by Furniss, Harry (1854-1925) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: The late Right Honourable W H Smith, MP, First Lord of the Treasury (engraving)

The late Right Honourable W H Smith, MP, First Lord of the Treasury (engraving)
1592013 The late Right Honourable W H Smith, MP, First Lord of the Treasury (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The late Right Honourable W H Smith, MP)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: W H Smiths peculiar slip knot (litho)

W H Smiths peculiar slip knot (litho)
3641474 W H Smiths peculiar slip knot (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: W H Smiths peculiar slip knot)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: The Late Right Honourable W H Smith, MP (engraving)

The Late Right Honourable W H Smith, MP (engraving)
1036432 The Late Right Honourable W H Smith, MP (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Late Right Honourable W H Smith, MP)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: Just A goin to Begin!, 1887. Artist: Tom Merry

Just A goin to Begin!, 1887. Artist: Tom Merry
Just A goin to Begin!, 1887. WH Smith as a fairground showman, invites the public to his show; the principal parliamentary figures are there

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: WH Smith, MP, First Lord of the Treasury, 1887. Artist: R Taylor

WH Smith, MP, First Lord of the Treasury, 1887. Artist: R Taylor
WH Smith, MP, First Lord of the Treasury, 1887. The son and namesake of the founder of the WH Smith chain of newsagents, William Henry Smith (1825-1891)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: William Henry Smith (1825-1891), British politician, 19th century

William Henry Smith (1825-1891), British politician, 19th century. From Cassells Illustrated History of England, volume X, published by Cassell, Petter, Galpin and Co

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: William Henry Smith, British politician, c1890. Artist: Cassell, Petter & Galpin

William Henry Smith, British politician, c1890. Artist: Cassell, Petter & Galpin
William Henry Smith, politician, c1890. The son and namesake of the founder of the WH Smith chain of newsagents, Smith (1825-1891)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: The Right Hon William Henry Smith, MP, 1881

The Right Hon William Henry Smith, MP, 1881
The Right Hon William William Henry Smith, MP, 1881. Portrait of the English newsagent and politician William William Henry Smith (1792-1865)

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: Clearing the Course!, July 7, 1888. Artist: Joseph Swain

Clearing the Course!, July 7, 1888. Artist: Joseph Swain
Clearing the Course!, July 7, 1888. William Henry Smith, First Lord of the Treasury, and his Conservative colleague, Charles Ritchie, attempt to steer the Ship of Government across crowded waters

Background imageWilliam Henry Smith Collection: Three Jolly Post Boys!, 1888. Artist: Joseph Swain

Three Jolly Post Boys!, 1888. Artist: Joseph Swain
Three Jolly Post Boys!, 1888. William Henry Smith is on the left in this cartoon. He was the First Lord of the Treasury and Leader of the House in Lord Salisburys Conservative government


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Ideal and Real: William Henry Smith (1825-1891) W H Smith, a man of many titles and accomplishments, left an indelible mark on British history. From his early days as a young entrepreneur to his influential role in politics, he was a force to be reckoned with. In the world of business, W H Smith's name became synonymous with success. The iconic W H Smith stores that we know today were born out of his vision and determination. A vibrant colour lithograph captures the essence of this retail empire that still stands strong. But it wasn't just in business where W H Smith made waves. As an esteemed Member of Parliament, he earned the respect and admiration of his peers. An engraving portrays him as "Esquire" - a title befitting his status as an influential politician. His dedication to public service led him to become the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, ensuring sound financial management for the nation. Another engraving showcases Mr W H Smith in this crucial role. The pinnacle of his political career came when he was appointed Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports - a position held by only those who commanded immense respect and trust. A black-and-white photograph immortalizes The Right Honourable W H Smith in this prestigious role. A man known for action rather than mere words, another engraving depicts him opening the South Gare Breakwater near Middlesbrough - symbolizing progress and prosperity under his leadership. His ascent continued as he became First Lord of the Treasury - one of Britain's most powerful positions. An engraved portrait captures The Right Honourable W H Smith at this zenith moment in politics. Beyond politics and business, there was also room for artistry within William Henry's life. Sketches from debates on procedure reveal glimpses into lively sessions at the House of Commons where he passionately fought for what he believed in. Sadly, even great men have their final chapter.