Master Art

Painter, chiefly in watercolour, of landscape and of rustic scenes in Surrey and elsewhere, peopled with children and milkmaids. He was also an illustrator and engraver. Born in North Shields, he came to London when he was 5 and apprenticed to Peter Landells, a leading wood engraver. There he produced drawings for 'Punch' and the 'Illustrate London News'. In 1846, he set up on his own illustrating books as well as for magazines. About 1859, he turned to painting chiefly watercolours. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Watercolour Society in 1860 and contributed some 400 drawings to the Society's exhibitions. He also exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1859 - 1881. He travelled widely on the Continent, visiting Venice in 1868. He was commissioned by Charles Seeley to make 50 drawings of Venice.