John Frederick Lewis

Lewis was born in London, where his father was an engraver, who gave his son lessons in draughtsmanship. From an early age Lewis was a proficient watercolour painter. He was a full member of the Old Watercolour Society whist still in his twenties. In the late 1820s, Lewis travelled to Europe, and in 1832 travelled to Morocco, which must have stimulated his interest in Arab life and customs. In 1841 he travelled overland to Cairo, and stayed there for over nine years. Lewis exhibited at the OWS on his return to England in 1850, where his pictures were extremely well-received. In 1855 he was elected President of the Old Watercolour Society, though by that time he was turning increasingly to painting in oil. There were probably a number of reasons for this. Firstly the permanence of oils. Secondly the greater scope it gave him. Thirdly the far greater recognition, and hence financial rewards. Lewis became an Associate of the Royal Academy, and a full member in 1865. Lewis was amongst the very greatest artists of his day, and his pictures are beautifully painted, subtle, and fastidious. Nowadays they bring very high prices.