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at the Academy on two occasions after 1857. He retired from London and resided in Breconshire, in which county he filled the office of Sheriff. He died at a some- what advanced age in October 1873.
THOMAS. William, architect. Prac- tised in London in the second half of the 18th century. He was from 1780 to 1794 an occasional exhibitor at the Academy of architectural designs, but they were not of an importaL t character. He published, 1783, 'Original Designs in Architecture/ 27 plates, comprising villas, temples, grottos, tombs, etc. He was a member of the celebrated Artists' Club.
THOMAS, George Housman, portrait and subject painter. He was born in Lon- don, December 17, 1824. He was appren- ticed to a wood-engraver, and commenced Sractising that art in Paris, and then esigned on the wood. From thence he went to America to illustrate a New York newspaper, and while there, staying about two years, he designed the notes for the States' bank. He returned to Europe on the ground of ill-health, and visited Italy, was in Rome when that city was besieged by the French, and sent many sketches of the events of the siege to the 'Illustrated London News.' Settling in London, he was employed upon that paper. He first exhibited at the British Institution, but was a frequent exhibitor at the Aca- demy, commencing in 1854. He was for- tunate in gaining the patronage of the Queen, and painted for her Majesty * The Marriage of the Prince of Wales at Wind- sor,' 'The Marriage of the Princess Alice at Osborne/ ' The Princess Royal doing Hom- age as Crown Princess at the Coronation f the King of Prussia,' ' The Distribution of the Victoria Medals by the Queen,' and several others. He also painted ' Rotten Row,' 1862; 'Soldiers' Ball, Camp at Boulogne.' He died at Boulogne, July 21, 1868, aged 44. In the following year his collected works, several of which are en-
fivved, were exhibited in Bond Street, lis sketches and studies were sold at Chris- tie's in July, 1872. His works were pleasing, gay in colour, and correctly drawn, but he dia not attain to a higher feeling in art.
THOMPSON, William John. R.S.A., portrait painter. He was born at Savannah, Georgia, 1771, the son of a Scotch Ameri- can loyalist, and was brought to England when a child. As a lad he was compelled to labour for his support, when, finding his way up to London, he attached himself to art, and tried portraiture. In 1808 he joined the Associated. Artists in Water-Colours. Gain- ing employment he improved, and practised in London till 1812, when he removed to Edinburgh, where he settled. In 1829 he was elected a member of the Royal Scottish Academy. His works were life-like and 428
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spirited, and for many years he enjoyed a reputation. He painted some fine portraits in miniature. He died in Edinburgh. March 24 1845, aged 74.
THOMPSON, Charles, engraver. Prac- tised in London early in the 19th century. He engraved several plates for the almanacs, and the illustrations for ' iEdes Althorpianae, 1822
THOMPSON, E. W., portrait painter. Had a considerable practice. Resided many years in Paris, where he was well known and employed. He sent five portraits from Paris to the Academy in 1832, and the following year, when he had returned to London, and again in 1840, but only on those occasions was a contributor. He died at Lincoln, December 27, 1847, asrod 77
THOMPSON, John, portrait painter, known in his day as ' Thompson, the City painter.' Practised in London, 1590-1610, and was a member of the Painters' Com-
Eany, in Little Trinity Lane, where there is is own portrait, and several others by his hand.
THOMPSON, Thomas, glass-painter, of Coventry. Painted the great east win- dow of York Minster in the reign of Henry IV.
THOMPSON, William (nicknamed ' Blarney'), portrait painter. Was born in Dublin. Learned his art in London, where he practised. He exhibited whole and half- length portraits with the Society of Artists, in 1761, and continued to exhibit with that Society till 1767. He was a man of educa- tion, possessed of a specious address. His portraits were esteemed for their likeness, Dut his art was f eeble ; and marrying a wife with a fortune, he relinquished his profes- sion, in which he wanted the ability and the industry to succeed. On her death he married a second time, and again a lady possessing a fortune. Yet he got into difficulties, and into the King^s Bench prison, and made some stir by noisily assert- ing the illegality of confinement for debt. He was for some time secretary to the Incorporated Society of Artists. He founded a school of oratory, held at the noted Mrs. Cornelv's, in Soho Square, which was open to both sexes, and at which he was the moderator, an office in which he acquitted himself with more success than reputation. He pubUshed 'An Enquiry into the Elemen- tary Principles of Beauty in the Works of Nature ana Art.' He survived till the early part of 1800, when he died suddenly in London. Two of his portraits were engraved in mezzo-tint.
THOMPSON, John, wood-engraver. Was born in Manchester, May 25, 1785, and was a pupil of the elder Branston. He attained great distinction in his art His works are marked by correct drawing and
