Lord justice Thesiger before 1880

This photographic print of Lord Justice Thesiger was made by Lock & Whitfield, a London photography firm that operated from 1854 to 1881. We see Thesiger in his judicial robes, complete with the elaborate full-bottomed wig that remains an instantly recognizable symbol of the English legal system. This image presents a fascinating view into the social history of Victorian England. Thesiger’s confident pose and the photographers' skilled craftsmanship convey the power and prestige associated with the high court. Photography during this period played a crucial role in shaping public perception of authority figures. Firms like Lock & Whitfield contributed to the visual culture that upheld the values of the British legal system. Historians of photography and law can find further information in archives, legal documents, and period publications. By examining these resources, we can better understand the complex interplay between social institutions, visual representation, and the construction of authority in Victorian England.