Acton Smee Ayrton | |
|---|---|
 Caricature by Ape published in Vanity Fair in 1869. | |
| First Commissioner of Works | |
| In office 26 October 1869 – 11 August 1873 | |
| Monarch | Queen Victoria |
| Prime Minister | William Ewart Gladstone |
| Preceded by | Austen Henry Layard |
| Succeeded by | William Patrick Adam |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 August 1816 |
| Died | 30 November 1886 (aged 70) |
| Nationality | British |
| Political party | Liberal |
Acton Smee Ayrton (5 August 1816 – 30 November 1886) was a British barrister and Liberal Party politician. Considered a radical and champion of the working classes, he served as First Commissioner of Works under William Ewart Gladstone between 1869 and 1873. He is best remembered for the "Ayrton controversy" over scientific facilities at Kew Gardens.