George Dixon (1820 to 1898)
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Carte De Visite portrait of George Dixon, Liberal politician and educational reformer.
Born in Yorkshire, Dixon moved to Birmingham to work for Rabone Bros & Co. eventually rising to head the firm. Became councillor for Edgbaston in 1863 and Mayor of Birmingham in 1866.
As Mayor, Dixon was instrumental in founding the Birmingham Educational Society which by 1869 had developed into the National Education League, a campaigning body chaired by Dixon which promoted elementary education for all children free from religious control. Dixon financed several educational experiments in Birmingham including the Bridge Street Technical School. The George Dixon schools founded in 1906 in Birmingham are named after him.
His name was also the inspiration for the lead character in the TV series "Dixon of Dock Green" who first appeared in the film "The Blue Lamp" produced by Michael Balcon, a former George Dixon pupil.
Carte de visite by H J Whitlock, New St., Birmingham.
Most likely albumen print.
Reverse side not available as item is mounted on card.
Typical dimensions - Print: 54mm x 89mm. Card: 64mm x 100mm
[BA&H: Portraits/Birmingham/CUP-DIX]
