Frank Cadogan Cowper
Encyclopedia
Frank Cadogan Cowper was an English
painter and illustrator of portraits, historical and literary scenes, described as "The last of the Pre-Raphaelites".
, son of an author and early pioneer of coastal cruising in yachts, Frank Cowper, and grandson of the Rector
of Wicken. He first studied art at St John's Wood Art School in 1896 and then went on to study at the Royal Academy Schools from 1897-1902. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy
in 1899, and achieved critical success two years later with his An Aristocrat answering the Summons to Execution, Paris 1791 (1901). In 1902, he spent six months studying under Edwin Austin Abbey
before travelling to Italy.
He worked in both watercolours and oils
, and also worked as book illustrator - providing the illustrations for Sir Sidney Lee's The Imperial Shakespeare. He contributed to a mural in the Houses of Parliament in 1910 along with Byam Shaw
, Ernest Board and Henry Arthur Payne.
As art fashion changed Cowper increasingly exhibited his portrait paintings but still continued to produce historical and literary works.
He retired from London
to Gloucestershire
. His The Ugly Duckling was voted the favourite painting by visitors to the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum
in 2005.http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/40011/Moment-I-went-back-in-time-and-met-Myself
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
painter and illustrator of portraits, historical and literary scenes, described as "The last of the Pre-Raphaelites".
Life and work
Cowper was born in Wicken, NorthamptonshireWicken, Northamptonshire
Wicken is a village and civil parish in the English county of Northamptonshire. It is about one mile north of the A422 road between Milton Keynes and Buckingham and forms part of South Northamptonshire district...
, son of an author and early pioneer of coastal cruising in yachts, Frank Cowper, and grandson of the Rector
Rector
The word rector has a number of different meanings; it is widely used to refer to an academic, religious or political administrator...
of Wicken. He first studied art at St John's Wood Art School in 1896 and then went on to study at the Royal Academy Schools from 1897-1902. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy
Royal Academy
The Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and...
in 1899, and achieved critical success two years later with his An Aristocrat answering the Summons to Execution, Paris 1791 (1901). In 1902, he spent six months studying under Edwin Austin Abbey
Edwin Austin Abbey
Edwin Austin Abbey was an American artist, illustrator, and painter. He flourished at the beginning of what is now referred to as the "golden age" of illustration, and is best known for his drawings and paintings of Shakespearean and Victorian subjects, as well as for his painting of Edward VII's...
before travelling to Italy.
He worked in both watercolours and oils
Oil painting
Oil painting is the process of painting with pigments that are bound with a medium of drying oil—especially in early modern Europe, linseed oil. Often an oil such as linseed was boiled with a resin such as pine resin or even frankincense; these were called 'varnishes' and were prized for their body...
, and also worked as book illustrator - providing the illustrations for Sir Sidney Lee's The Imperial Shakespeare. He contributed to a mural in the Houses of Parliament in 1910 along with Byam Shaw
Byam Shaw
John Byam Liston Shaw , commonly known as Byam Shaw, was an Indian-born British painter, illustrator, designer and teacher.-Family:...
, Ernest Board and Henry Arthur Payne.
As art fashion changed Cowper increasingly exhibited his portrait paintings but still continued to produce historical and literary works.
He retired from London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
to Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is a county in South West England. The county comprises part of the Cotswold Hills, part of the flat fertile valley of the River Severn, and the entire Forest of Dean....
. His The Ugly Duckling was voted the favourite painting by visitors to the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum
Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum
Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire was opened in 1899. It offers free admission, and has a programme of special exhibitions....
in 2005.http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/40011/Moment-I-went-back-in-time-and-met-Myself
Professional memberships
- Royal Watercolour SocietyRoyal Watercolour SocietyThe Royal Watercolour Society is an English institution of painters working in watercolours...
(Associate 1904, Full member 1911). - Royal AcademyRoyal AcademyThe Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and...
(Associate 1907, Full member 1934).
Further reading
- Amanda B. Waterman. Frank Cadogan Cowper: the last Pre-Raphaelite (University of Washington, 2008).
External links
- F. C. Cowper online (Artcyclopedia)
- F. C Cowper biography and paintings (Art Renewal Centre Museum)