Of the artist, Sir James Gunn, it was said that his portraits were 'severe and even bitter in expression, painted with scrupulous distinction, with nothing evaded'. Hill was an outstanding numismatist, with (it is said) a sense of humour but also subject to depression. Born in India, he was separated from his family at the age of four to be educated in England. A brilliant scholar, he joined the Museum in 1893 and became a prolific writer and researcher, contributing on a wide range of subjects which included Greek coins, Renaissance medals, treasure trove, and the history of Cyprus. He was, in 1931, the first non-librarian since the eighteenth century to be appointed Director and Principal Librarian. His achievements were immense but yet in an autobiography written after his retirement in 1936 he wrote that he would not wish to have his life over again.