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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Tom Wills, c. 1870

by William Handcock

Tom Wills, c. 1870

Melbourne Cricket Ground Collection

Secure the shadow ere the substance fade
(More information, View all 8 images)

Thomas Wentworth Wills
Horace Spencer Wills and Cedric Spencer Wills
Horatio Spencer Wills
Emily Spencer Wills

Related information

Tom Wills, c. 1870 by William Handcock
Tom Wills, c. 1870 by William Handcock
Tom Wills, c. 1870 by William Handcock
Tom Wills, c. 1870 by William Handcock

Secure the shadow ere the substance fade

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2015

The tragic tale of Tom Wills, the ‘inventor’ of Australian Rules Football.
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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

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