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The portrait remained with the Wilton family who very kindly donated it to Wilton’s as part of the restoration campaign. The portrait was presented to one of our chief campaigners, Roy Hudd, in his dressing room at the Albery Theatre, now Noel Coward Theatre, seen here with Dudley and Frances Spain (née Wilton) and Joan Turner (née Wilton). Roy is an active member of the Wilton’s Music Hall extended family, writing and starring in our annual pantomime.

Above Joan and Robin Turner present the original print. Our historian has investigated the lives of John and his wife Ellen for our in house publication Wilton’s A History of the Hall and Houses, free to pick up from the John Wilton Room. Among this group of photos is an image of John Wilton’s grave at Bath Abbey Cemetery, where he was buried in 1881. Despite remarrying, Ellen was buried next to him in 1896. Also buried at the Wilton family vault is John’s brother Thomas, who in contrast to John took on the more reputable office of Mayor of Bath, 1883-1884; though he too presented strong beard game.

Next time you’re in say hello to John and discover more about our heritage with our changing displays.