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VARIOUS NOTTINGHAM ARTISTS

Not mentioned in the Nottingham Worthies

The list of artists who have gained at least a local celebrity worth possessing includes the following names: Thomas BARBER, a portrait-painter of great merit, who died on the 12th of September, 1843, aged seventy-three years; Robert JAMES, a self-taught artist, several of whose paintings have been exhibited at the Royal Academy; Mrs. ENFIELD, the wife of William ENFIELD, Esq., the respected town clerk, whose landscapes are characterised by truthfulness to nature and a delicate perception of the peculiar feeling of the scenes; Reuben BUSSEY, cork-cutter, Bridlesmith gate, who was executed some very excellent landscape paintings in oil; Thomas DAWSON, who began landscape painting in 1834, and who possesses great musical, as well as artistic, genius. Charles ROBINSON, a native of this town, and by some gentlemen who perceived the early dawn of his artistic genius was sent to France, where he studied art for several years. On his return to England he resided at Nottingham for a short time, his studio being in Parliament street; but he was soon appointed to the mastership of the School of Design at Stoke, in the Potteries. In the year 1852 he was elected to the post of travelling inspector of the elementary schools of art. Charles ROBINSON has already achieved much, despite his early difficulties; and his friends reasonably entertain the belief that, if spared, he will gain an exalted position in art, and in future ages reflect no ordinary lustre on his native town. The names of Clifton TOMSON, F.C. COOPER, J.R. WALKER, FOX, BURTON, A. PARKER, the HUSKINSONS, GILBERT, PARROTT, BESTOW, BRETLAND, MAYCOCK, OWENCROFT, and WILKINS, are familiar in the local annals of art. Mr. GILBERT is a son of the late Rev. Joseph GILBERT, and is an artist who has already achieved much, and will, we doubt not, accomplish more. Mr. J.F. WILKINS, a water-color painter, has for some years been settled in Illinois, U.S., where he possesses a considerable estate.

 

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