Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Pocock, Lewis
POCOCK, LEWIS (1808–1882), art amateur, born in South London on 17 Jan. 1808, was the third and youngest son of Thomas Pocock, by his wife Margaret Kennedy. He was educated partly in England and partly at Tours in France. He was through life a great lover of art, and in 1837 took the leading part in founding the Art Union of London. He acted as one of its honorary secretaries (George Godwin [q.v.] being his first colleague) from that time till his death, and in the early years of the union devoted much time and labour to his duties. In 1844 Pocock and Godwin brought out, in connection with the Art Union, an edition of the 'Pilgrim's Progress,' illustrated by H. C. Selous. Pocock contributed a bibliographical chapter.
Pocock was for many years a director of the Argus life-assurance office, and in 1842 published 'A familiar Explanation of the Nature of Assurances upon Lives … with an extensive Bibliographical Catalogue of Works on the Subject.' In 1852 he patented a scheme for electric lighting. Pocock was an extensive collector of Johnsoniana of all descriptions. His collection was sold before his death. He was for some time treasurer of the Graphic Society and an active member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He died at 70 Gower Street, London, on 17 Oct. 1882, and was buried at Highgate. He married, on 6 Sept. 1 838, Eliza, daughter of George Barrett, esq., and left twelve children.
[Private information; Report of the Art Union of London for 1883; Times, 21 Oct. 1882; Builder, 28 Oct. 1882; Academy, 28 Oct.; Graphic, 23 Dec. 1882 (with portrait).]