Page:Dictionary of Artists of the English School (1878).djvu/348

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tbe workhouses. In 1845 he commenced the Museum of Economic Geology, a good example of his ability, and its succcess led to his employment on the Public Record Office, a very important work, which, com- menced in 1851, occupied nearly the re- mainder of his life. Among his other official works were the alteration of the Quadrant, taking away the heavy colonnade : the addition to the Ordnance Office, Pall Mall, and of a new wing to Somerset House, and the erection of the University of Lon- don at the back of Burlington House, his last and best work. Soon after, on some changes made in the Office of Works, he was with little notice removed, in 1870, from an appointment he had so long and with so much distinction held, by the abolition of his office. He received, in 1857, the medal of the Institute of British Architects, and was also presented by the members of his profession with a special medal, in recogni- tion of his talent and services, followed by the honour of knighthood by the Queen on his quitting office. He died at Maiden, Surrey, September 1, 1871.

PENNINGTON, James, china painter. He was the son of a Liverpool potter, and was apprenticed to Messrs. Wedgwood of Etruna. On the completion of his time he was employed in the W orcester works, when he painted a fine service for the Duke of York, with appropriate naval designs. His son, John Pennington, was apprentised to Messrs. Wedgwood of Etruria, in 1784, to learn the art of engraving in aqua-tint as applicable to china.

PENNY, Edward, & A., portrait and subject painter. Was born at Knutsford, Cheshire, in 1714, and showing an inclina- tion for art. was placed under Hudson, and completed his studies in Rome, where he was some time before 1748. On his return to England he met with much employment, painting small portraits in oil. He also produced some subject .pictures, several of which were engraved. Of these, the chief were his * Death of General Wolfe/ the impressions of which had a great sale; and ' The Marquis of Granby Relieving a Sick Soldier/ He also designed the illustrations for an edition of ' The Novelists/ which were engraved by R. Houston. He was vice-president of the Chartered Society of Artists, and was one of the foundation members of the Royal Academy, and the first professor of painting, an office which he held till 1783. He was an exhibitor at the first exhibition — his early subjects from Shakespeare and portraits. But his art degenerated into the lesser sentiment- alities, and later he fell in with the moral fashion of art at that time. In 1774 he exhibited « The Profligate Punished/ with its proper pendant, 'The Virtuous Com- forted;' in 1782, his last contribution,

' The Benevolent Physician/ ' The Rapa- cious Quack,' and 'The Distraint upon a Widow's Cow.' About the same time he married a lady of property, and retired to Chiswick. He diea November 15, 1791.

PERIGAL, Arthur, history painter. Gained the Royal Academy gold medal, 1811, for his historical painting, * Themis- tocles taking Refuge at the Court of Admetus.' fie hacf previously exhibited at the Academy, and in 1813 sent * The Mother's last Embrace of her Infant Moses before placing him in the Ark.' In 1814- 15 he did not exhibit. But in 1816 he painted again his subject exhibited in 1813. In 1817 he exhibited a portrait, and in 1821 he was living at Northampton, and exhibited for the last time, 'Going to Market.'

PERRY, Francis, enaraver. Was born at Abingdon, and brought up to the trade of a hosier. Afterwards he was placed under Vanderbank, the engraver, with whom he learned little, and then under Richardson; but not making more progress as a painter than as an engraver, he was employed as clerk to a commissary, and going down with him into Staffordshire, he made drawings of Lichfield Cathedral, which he etched, and from this time made many topographical drawings, and resumed engraving. He was employed for the mag- azines, but could barely earn a livelihood by his industry. There are by him two or three portraits, a series of English silver medals and coins, neatly engraved, and three or four numbers of a gold series, which he had commenced. He died in London, January 3, 1765.

PETER of Colechurch, architect. He was the chaplain of St. Mary, Colechurch, and the architect of the old London Bridge. He died in 1205.

• PETERS, The Rev. Matthew William, R.A.. portrait and history painter. He was born in the Isle of Wight, but his parents removing to Ireland while he was an infant, he has been supposed to have been born there. His father held an ap- pointment in the Customs at Dublin. He was for a time a pupil of West, the master of the Academy of Design in that city. He gained a premium from the Society of Arts in 1759. Originally intended for the Church, his love of art led him twice to Rome, and he passed some months at Venice in 1773-74. While in Italy he copied the San Gierolomo at Parma, and his copy is over the altar of the church at Saffron Walden. He also copied, in 1782, for the Duke of Rutland, Le Bran's picture in the Carmelite Church at Paris. He painted with success both historical sub- jects and portraits. He was engaged for Boydell's Gallery, and contributed scenes from 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' and

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