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William Henry Smith (1825-1891), son of William Henry Smith (1792-1865), English businessman
Filename: 917_05_009973.jpg
Size: 2150 x 2660 (3.6MB)
Date: 26th March 2014
Source: Universal Images Group (UIG)
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Universal Images Group (UIG)
William Henry Smith (1825-1891), son of William Henry Smith (1792-1865), English businessman
William Henry Smith (1825-1891), son of William Henry Smith (1792-1865), English businessman and politician. He joined his fathers newsagent business in 1846 and introduced the selling of books and newspapers at railway stations. Elected Conservative Member of Parliament for Westminster in 1868. In 1877 he was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty and is caricatured as Sir Joseph Porter who, in the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta HMS Pinafore, sings I always voted at my partys call, /And I never thought for myself at all./I thought so little, they rewarded me/By making me the Ruler of the Queens Navee. During his three years is this position he was known as Pinafore Smith. Engraving c1885
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Media ID 9753125
© Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group
1846 1868 1877 Admiralty Appointed Books Business Businessman C1885 Call Conservative Elected Father Gilbert Henry Introduced Joined Joseph Little Lord Making Member Newspapers Parliament Party Pinafore Politician Porter Position Queen Railway Ruler Selling Smith Stations Sullivan Thought Westminster William Years Caricatured Newsagent Operetta Rewarded Sings Voted
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases William Henry Smith (1825-1891), a prominent English businessman and politician. Following in his father's footsteps, he joined the family newsagent business in 1846 and revolutionized the industry by introducing the sale of books and newspapers at railway stations. His entrepreneurial spirit propelled him to great heights, as he was elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament for Westminster in 1868. In 1877, Smith's exceptional leadership skills led to his appointment as the First Lord of the Admiralty. Interestingly, he became an inspiration for Sir Joseph Porter, a character from Gilbert and Sullivan's famous operetta HMS Pinafore. The caricature depicted Smith singing about his unwavering loyalty to his party while admitting that he never thought independently. This earned him the nickname "Pinafore Smith" during his three-year tenure. The engraving captured here dates back to around 1885 when Smith held this esteemed position within British politics. It beautifully portrays both his influential role in parliament and his connection with popular culture through theater. William Henry Smith left an indelible mark on British society through his innovative business practices and political achievements. This print serves as a testament to his legacy, reminding us of a man who seamlessly merged commerce with public service while leaving an enduring impact on both realms.
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