George Richmond was born in London and received his first training in art from his father, Thomas Richmond, a miniature portrait painter. From 1824 he studied at the Royal Academy Schools, where he was taught briefly by Henry Fuseli. He was particularly influenced by the visionary art of William Blake, joining the close circle of Blake’s followers known as ‘The Ancients’. Richmond later established a reputation as a leading portraitist and painted several notable figures, including William Wilberforce (1832) and John Ruskin (1842). In 1867, he was elected a Royal Academician. He died in London, just before turning 87.

People

Smith, William Henry

Places

Subjects

male portrait, sideburns, 19th century costume, frock coat, waistcoat, bow tie, newsagent, Leader of the House of Commons, First Lord of the Admiralty, First Lord of the Treasury, Member of Parliament, Privy Counsellor, Secretary of State for War

Materials & Techniques

mezzotint

Artist

John Douglas Miller
George Richmond (1809 - 1896)

Title

William Henry Smith MP (1825-1891) newsagent and politician

Date

published 25 April 1883

Medium

Mezzotint

Acquisition

Transferred from HM Treasury, April 1992

GAC number

16783