Thomas Camble, of the West of England Fire Brigade

The identification of the sitter as Thomas Gamble rests on the wording of a plaque attached to the centre of the frame. It reads: “Mr Thomas Gamble West of England Fire Brigade, Exeter 1860-70 presented by Mr W C Loaring”. It appears that this plaque was applied when the portrait was given to the Norwich Union collection for their Exeter office. Accordingly an extensive search was made of a wide range of source material, including countrywide coverage of census returns from 1861-1901. The result was disappointing and further searches were made to trace any company records of the West of England Fire Insurance Company that might include lists of employees. No relevant material has so far come to light.