Search Results

Sisley, Alfred Alfred Sisley (1839-1899) was a prominent landscape painter, born in France to British parents. Throughout his career, Sisley developed a distinctive style characterised by subtle colour palettes and a delicate treatment of light. Despite being less commercially successful than some of his contemporaries, such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Sisley's commitment to capturing the fleeting effects of nature solidified his reputation within the art world. His most notable works oft...

Turner, Joseph Mallord William Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) is often regarded as one of Britain's greatest and most innovative artists. His early works were rooted in the traditions of landscape painting, but he was soon recognised for his ability to convey both the beauty and the sublime power of nature through the use of light and colour. Born in Covent Garden, London, Turner was the son of a barber and began displaying an artistic talent from a young age. He enrolled at the Royal Academy Schools at the ...

Ward, Leslie (Spy) Leslie Ward (1851-1922), also known as 'Spy', was a prominent British caricaturist renowned for his keen observational skills and artistic talent. Ward began his career in illustration before establishing himself as a leading figure in the world of political satire. He garnered fame for his work with 'Punch', the esteemed magazine that revolutionised the art of caricature in Britain. Ward’s distinctive style involved capturing the likenesses and personalities of notable figure...

White, Henry Seppings (Stuff) Henry Seppings White (1849-1937), a prominent illustrator for Vanity Fair during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and who worked under the pseudonym 'Stuff', carved a distinctive niche in the realm of satirical art. Born in 1849 in Redruth, Cornwall, White's work is characterised by its sharp wit and keen observational skills, which brought to life the societal norms and eccentricities of his time. His illustrations often focused on the upper echelons of British society, us...

Waterhouse, John William John William Waterhouse (1849-1917) was an English painter known for his captivating depictions of mythological and literary themes, which captured the Victorian fascination with the classical world. Born in Rome to English parents, Waterhouse was exposed to the rich artistic heritage of Italy from an early age, which significantly influenced his work. Waterhouse is perhaps best known for his Pre-Raphaelite style, characterised by vibrant colours, attention to detail and a romanticised portra...

Wright, Joseph, of Derby Joseph Wright of Derby (1734-1797) was a pivotal figure in British art, best known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, which anticipated the techniques of later Romantic painters. Born in Derby, he received his initial training in London before embarking on a career that would see him achieve considerable acclaim. Wright's work often focused on themes of science and industry, reflecting the transformative changes of the Industrial Revolution. One of his most notable pieces, 'A...

Pellegrini, Carlo Carlo Pellegrini (1839-1889), also known as Ape, was an Italian caricaturist and illustrator. He was born in Caprese, Tuscany, on March 25, 1839, and later moved to London, where he gained fame for his work. Pellegrini was best known for his caricatures in the British magazine Vanity Fair, where he depicted prominent figures of the Victorian era. His caricatures, characterised by their bold strokes and exaggerated features, captured the essence of his subjects while adding a touch of humour. ...

Constable, John John Constable (1776-1837) was a British landscape painter who has left an indelible mark on the history of Western Art. Born in June 1776 in East Bergholt, Suffolk, Constable was the son of a prosperous corn merchant. His early years in the picturesque countryside of Suffolk profound influenced his artistic vision. Constable is best known for his idyllic and naturalistic landscapes, capturing the beauty of rural England with an unprecedented level of detail and atmospheric effect. Unlike ma...

Leighton, Lord Frederic Lord Frederic Leighton (1830-1896) was a prominent British painter and sculptor, celebrated for his classical and historical subject matter. Born on December 3, 1830, in Scarborough, Yorkshire, Leighton was the son of a medical doctor and grew up in a wealthy family. His artistic talent was evident from a young age, and he received his education at various European academies, including the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence and the École des Beaux-Art in Paris. Leighton's early works wer...

Crosby, F. Gordon Frederick Gordon Crosby (1885-1943), known as Gordon Crosby, was an English automotive illustrator. He worked for the magazine Autocar for most of his life. His illustrations and paintings reflect the excitement and glamour surrounding the automotive industry's birth and early development. Crosby had no formal training as an artist, although he did attend life classes at art school after starting his professional career. In 1908 he started his career as a draughtsman in The Daimler Motor ...

Beardsley, Aubrey Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898) was a renowned British artist and illustrator, celebrated for his striking and often controversial works during the late Victorian period. Born in Brighton, Beardsley showcased a remarkable talent for drawing from a young age. He later moved to London, where he became integral to the Aesthetic Movement, which emphasised art for art's sake, celebrating beauty and style over moral considerations. Beardsley produced extensive illustrations for books and magazines...

Aldin, Cecil Cecil Aldin (1870-1935) was a celebrated British painter, illustrator and lithographer, best known for his evocative depictions of rural life and animal subjects. Born in London, Aldin grew up in an artistic family that inspired his early interest in drawing and painting. He studied at the Westminster School of Art where he honed his skills and developed a unique style that combined lively brushwork with a keen sense of observation. Aldin's illustrations gained significant acclaim, partic...

Donovan, Edward Edward Donovan (1768-1837) was an Anglo-Irish naturalist, illustrator and author who made significant contributions to the natural history field in the early 19th century. Born in 1768 in Cork, Ireland, Donovan was originally surnamed O'Donovan. Although little is known about his family background or early life, he is presumed to have had some independent wealth which allowed him to pursue his interests in natural history. Donovan's work primarily involved the collection, description...

Dulac, Edmund Edmund Dulac (1882-1953) was a French-born, naturalised British illustrator, celebrated for his contributions to the 'Golden Age of Illustration' (1880s-1920s). Born in 1882 in Toulouse, France, Dulac initially studied law at the University of Toulouse but soon discovered his true passion for art. He won prizes at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, which paved the way for his illustrious career. In 1905, Dulac moved to London, where he quickly gained recognition for his exquisite ill...

Goble, Warwick Warwick Goble (1862-1943) was a distinguished British illustrator, celebrated for his contribution to children's literature and folklore. Born on 22nd November 1862 in Dalston, London, Goble's artistic talent emerged early, and he was educated at the City of London School and the Westminster School of Art. Goble's illustrations were known for their intricate detail, vibrant colour and imaginative depiction of fairy tales and exotic scenes from Japan, India, and Arabia. He gained e...

Lydon, Alexander Alexander Francis Lydon (1836-1917) was an English watercolour artist, illustrator and engraver, best known for his natural history studies and landscapes. Born in Newbridge, Ireland, Lydon was the eldest of at least six children in a family of travellers. His father, Patrick Lydon, was a Chelsea Pensioner and Relieving Officer of Driffield Union, and his mother, Elizabeth Gwillym, was the daughter of a Lutheran pastor. Lydon's artistic journey began when he was apprenticed to the printer...