I became so interested in Willan's personality while searching for material for a sketch of his life that for a dozen years I did not entirely abandon the hope of discovering his portrait. An account of the unsuccessful period of the search has been given in the previously published account of his life.1
That my search has been brought to a successful conclusion, and that I am now able to present copies of portraits of Robert Willan with some additional information about him, is due to the kindness and exertions of Dr. Robert Joseph Willan, F.R.C.S., of New Castle-upon-Tyne. I was not acquainted with him, but his name, his profession and the fact that he lives not far from Robert Willan's birthplace led me to appeal to him in the hope that he might be able and willing to assist me in my search. His response was most cordial.