Sir John Millais died at 6.30 this evening at his residence in London. The actual cause of death was epitheliema of the larynx, for which the distinguished painter was attended by Sir Richard Quinn, Dr. Treves, Dr. Lennox Browne, and Dr. Haines. All that skill could suggest was done to prolong his life, and tracheotomy was performed, after which the patient, who was latterly attended solely by Dr. Haines, showed a great improvement, and was able to leave his bed and see his friends, with whom he conversed by means of a slate. The disease, however, took an unfavourable turn a few days ago, after which Sir John remained unconscious, and all efforts to save his life were regarded as hopeless. He was quite unconscious when he breathed his last, but his end was quite peaceful and without pain.
Lady Millais, Mr. Everett Millais, and other members of the family were present in the room when Dr. Haines issued his bulletin last evening. It was hardly to be expected that his distinguished patient would last this morning, but at 5 a.m. a reaction set in, with a slight return to consciousness. This was, however, the last effort, for a few hours later Sir John relapsed into a comatose state from which he never rallied. Dr. Haines visited his patient at frequent intervals, and on each occasion found Sir John weaker.
During the day there was a large number of callers at Palace Gate.
The deceased baronet, who was 67 years of age, is succeeded in the title by his son, Mr. Everett Millais. He was elected President of the Royal Academy at the beginning of the present year and shortly after the death of Lord Leighton, but owing to the state of his health he was never able actively to fulfil the duties of the office.
Immediately before the death of Sir John Millais a message of inquiry was received from Her Majesty, to whom a telegram was at once sent after the sad event. Many telegrams and messages of sympathy and condolence were received tonight at the Palace Gate, but after the long strain of watching and anxiety to Lady Millais and her family have been recently continuously subjected, their contents will not be fully made known until tomorrow.
Bibliography
The Daily Record (Glasgow), 14 August 1896: 6.
Created 8 December 2023