John Hungerford Pollen (senior)

John Hungerford Pollen (1820-1902) was an English writer, interior designer, art historian, and Catholic convert associated with the Oxford Movement. He was a member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood circle, though not a formal member of the Brotherhood itself.

Born in Brighton, Pollen was educated at Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford. Initially ordained as a priest in the Church of England, he later converted to Roman Catholicism in 1852, a decision influenced by the theological currents of the Oxford Movement.

Pollen's artistic interests were wide-ranging. He designed interiors, furniture, and stained glass, and was involved in the decoration of several churches, most notably the University Church of St Barnabas, Oxford. He also served as Professor of Fine Arts at the Catholic University of Ireland in Dublin from 1855 to 1861.

He was a prolific writer on art and design, publishing works on topics such as furniture, goldsmithing, and glass. He also contributed to the South Kensington Museum (later the Victoria and Albert Museum), where he helped to build its collection and served as an official. His work often reflected his interest in historical styles and techniques.

John Hungerford Pollen (senior) is sometimes confused with his son, also named John Hungerford Pollen (1858-1940), who was a Jesuit priest and historian. Differentiating between the two can be important in scholarly research.