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Uncover the rich history of Elmbridge with our latest online exhibitions
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Explore the latest news and find out what's on this month
Explore our learning offer for schools, families and community groups
Uncover the rich history of Elmbridge with our latest online exhibitions
Want to discover more about your local area?
Douglas had success as an actor in Hollywood but was overshadowed by his father who had starred in ‘Mark of Zorro’, ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘The Three Musketeers’ in the 1920s.
After falling out with Hollywood in the 1930s, he moved to Britain and starred in some British films.
Oil on Canvas portrait of Robert Gill, c.1831, by William Bradley.
1796-1871
Robert Gill was a railway pioneer who lived at Apps Court in Walton-on-Thames with his family. Robert worked with his good friend George Stephenson building Railways and was present at the opening of the Manchester and Liverpool line in 1830.
Robert was also a sensible businessman and bought into the idea of purchasing the Crystal Palace after the closure of the Great Exhibition in 1851. He was involved in its re-erection at Sydenham and remained on the board of directors for many years.
Depicted here at about thirty-five, Robert was already working on the railways. An enthusiastic supporter of innovation and modernity, he kept a presence on site and in parliament. He dug the first turf for the Manchester and Leeds railway line in 1837.
Pastel portrait of Frederica Gill (left) and Madeline Gill (right), by Charles Allen Duval, 1858.
Frederica and Madeline were the first and third oldest daughters of railway pioneer Robert Gill. Madeline lived a short life, dying aged only seventeen but Frederica was still living at Apps Court with her mother and siblings in 1881 for the census.
Charles Duval has drawn the girls in their youth in a double portrait, which is a compositional style he is well-known for. His most famous work is the pastel portrait of the three eldest daughters of the novelist Elizabeth Gaskell. Duval executed his portraits in pastel, chalk, oil and watercolour and regularly exhibited work at the Royal Academy.
Oil on canvas portrait of Robert John Brooke Gill, by Lance Outram c.1913.
1911 – ?
This entrancing young toddler is Robert John Brooke Gill, the grandson of Robert Gill. He was born in 1911, the son of John Seppings Gill, and lived with the family at The Vicarage in Frensham, Farnham.
He is shown here aged two with wavy blonde hair holding a riding whip and a piece of red cloth.