Robert Thrupp (buried 1907)

Heene Hallmark Robert Thrupp 1822 - 1907 Robert was born in Southwark, the son of Robert and Mary Ann. He was baptised at St Saviour's, Southwark on 22 Mar 1822. His father was a coal merchant and the family lived in Clink Street. In 1837, Robert Snr was sent to Fleet prison for 10 weeks after getting into debt. Robert was sent to live with his father's sister Charlotte in Moseley near Birmingham. Charlotte was a schoolmistress. Robert started working in the art business as a colourman for Winter and Co. In 1853, he married Mary Ann Parsons at St Mary's, Moseley on 12 Oct. The couple moved to London for a while but by 1862, they were back in Birmingham. That year, Robert set up a partnership with Napoleon Sarony, an American photographer and Samuel William Hill. Robert is described as a carver and gilder. They used a studio at 66 New Street, Birmingham. In June 1866, Napoleon retired and returned to the United States. Robert dissolved the partnership, bought Napoleon's negatives and continued the business. He took photographs of the rich and famous over the next few years including Charles Dickens, Charles Kingsley and Cardinal Newman. (See National Portrait Gallery website for a selection of his photographs). By 1883, the family were living in London at 21 St Mary Abbot's Terrace, Kensington with Robert making the occasional trip to America. In September of that year, Robert's wife Mary was placed in a private asylum, St George's Retreat near Ditchling. She died there in 1897. Robert moved to Norfolk Lodge in Mill Road, Worthing. He died there on 3 Apr 1907. Probate was granted on 6 May to Rev. Robert Williams Thrupp clerk, William Thomas Pearce and William Edward Killick gentlemen. Effects £73199 11s 9d. Re-sworn £73386 9s 7d. (approx. £5.7million in 2020). Robert's will left £250 to his sister Mary Ann Davis and £200 each to Arthur and Gertrude Davis; £100 to Worthing Infirmary; the residue to his son Robert and daughter Harriet.