Samuel Hawksett (1801–1859): A Lichfield Guildhall Legacy Samuel Hawksett, born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, was a prolific portrait painter active during the Victorian era, leaving behind a notable collection of canvases that capture the spirit of his time. While biographical details remain somewhat sparse—records indicate he died in 1859—his artistic output speaks volumes about his skill and dedication to documenting prominent figures within British society. Hawksett’s work primarily focused on commissioned portraits, reflecting the social conventions of the period where commissio…