John Downman, ARA
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- United Kingdom
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Biography
Born at Ruabon near Wrexham, Downman left Wales in 1768 to study in London, under Benjamin West and then at the Royal Academy Schools. He began to exhibit watercolour portraits and it was in this genre that he was to make his name, although he occasionally exhibited subject pictures. He travelled to France and Rome in 1774, painting landscapes. A year later he returned to Britain and was to live in Cambridge, London, Exeter and Plymouth. In 1795 he was made ARA. His delicately drawn portraits were quite quickly produced and he enjoyed fashionable patronage in London.
Downman toured the Lake District in 1812. He continued to exhibit at the Royal Academy until 1819 when he retired and returned to Wrexham.
His work can be found in most major drawings collections including the National Portrait Gallery, London, the British Museum, the V&A and the Yale Center for British Art.
Additional Information
National Portrait Gallery
British Museum
V&A
