Lot Essay
Edward George Clarke (1841-1931) was called to the bar by Lincoln's Inn in 1864, appointed QC in 1880, Solicitor-General 1886-92 and knighted in 1886.
Charles Frederick Gill (1851-1923) was called to the bar by Lincoln's Inn in 1864, was Treasury Counsel from 1889-1899, and QC in 1899; he was not knighted till 1921.
Both Clarke and Gill were very well known Victorian advocates, and Clarke was one of the best of his day.
The costume is clearly that of a junior barrister. This is indiscated both by the sleeves of the gown and by the short jacket which QC's did not and still do not wear. Unless these are errors by the artist, and assuming that the two pictures are contemporaneous, the dress fixes the date between 1874 and 1880.
We are very grateful to Professor J.H. Baker of St. Catherine's College, Cambridge, for his help preparing this entry.
Charles Frederick Gill (1851-1923) was called to the bar by Lincoln's Inn in 1864, was Treasury Counsel from 1889-1899, and QC in 1899; he was not knighted till 1921.
Both Clarke and Gill were very well known Victorian advocates, and Clarke was one of the best of his day.
The costume is clearly that of a junior barrister. This is indiscated both by the sleeves of the gown and by the short jacket which QC's did not and still do not wear. Unless these are errors by the artist, and assuming that the two pictures are contemporaneous, the dress fixes the date between 1874 and 1880.
We are very grateful to Professor J.H. Baker of St. Catherine's College, Cambridge, for his help preparing this entry.