Police gazette, vol. XXI, 14 October 1904, p. 1 ("For stealing, 5th inst., from the National Portrait Gallery, London, a miniature oval in oils, size … , of Baron Thomas Dimsdale, M.D., F.R.S., 1712- 1800, profile to right, in short wig, in oblong gilt frame, Size 6 by 8 in., with gilt mount. "A celebrated inoculator for the small pox. Born in Essex and studied at St. Thomas's Hospital, London. Went in 1768 to Russia and successfully inoculated the Empress Catherine, for which he was largely rewarded in titles and wealth. He became a banker at Hertford and was elected in 1780 to represent that borough in Parliament. In 1781 he again visited Russia. Painted by Plimer, Presented February, 1880, by Mrs. J.C. Dimsdale, N.P.G. 600. Baron Dimsdale & Plimer" on frame, small square yellow label on back with "National Portrait Gallery, Registered No. 600" printed thereon …")
Christopher Wright et al., British and Irish paintings in public collections, New Haven and London: Yale University Press for the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, 2006, p. 201
