Artist: Robert Wadsworth Grafton (1876–1936); original portrait by Arvid Nyholm
Walter Gilbey
GILBEY, WALTER (1831–1914), inducted 1915
The likeness of Walter Gilbey, painted by Arvid Nyholm in 1915 and recreated by Robert Grafton after the 1934 fire, was based on a portrait presented to the Royal Agricultural Hall in London in 1891. Queen Victoria made him a baronet in recognition of his achievements in horse breeding and livestock publishing. Born in Hertfordshire, England, Sir Walter Gilbey and his brothers made their fortunes as wholesale merchants for wine and spirits, promoting local labels when taxes on imports rose. They began distilling dry gin in London in 1872 (the family name continues as a popular brand) and acquired whisky distilleries in Scotland as well. Sir Walter invested his wealth and his energy to promote the English Cart Horse, Hackney, and Hunter breeds. He was president of the Shire Horse Society, the Hackney Horse Society, the Hunter Improvement Society, the Essex Agricultural Club, and many others. He also helped establish the Royal Commission on Horse Breeding and the London Cart Horse Parade, and he wrote several books about livestock.
Source: Saddle & Sirloin Guidebook 2026, p. 96