Benjamin Ferrers facts for kids
Benjamin Ferrers (around 1667–1732) was a talented English artist who painted portraits. He was deaf from birth, but this did not stop him from becoming a well-known painter in his time. He created many important artworks, including portraits of famous people and scenes from important places like the Court of Chancery.
Life of Benjamin Ferrers
Benjamin Ferrers was born in late 1667 in Cookham, Berkshire. He was deaf from birth and lived in Westminster, London.
Ferrers' Communication and Art Skills
A court record from 1720 tells us about Ferrers. It showed that he could communicate using signs with his fingers. A man named Ralph Russell said he had talked with Ferrers this way for over 17 years. He understood Ferrers perfectly.
The court also learned that Ferrers could write his name and other things well. He could not read much writing, but he could point out different counties on a map. Another person, George Turner, knew Ferrers for ten years. Turner said Ferrers painted a picture for Josiah Burchett, a secretary in the navy. Ferrers asked for five Guineas for this painting, which was a good price. Turner believed Ferrers understood the value of things very well, especially paintings.
Notable Portraits by Ferrers
Ferrers was related to William Beveridge, who was a bishop. Bishop Beveridge did not want his portrait painted while he was alive. But after he died in 1707, Ferrers painted a picture of him. This special painting was made from the bishop's body. The painting is now kept at the Bodleian Library in Oxford. Other artists later made copies of this portrait.
Ferrers also painted a famous picture of the Court of Chancery. This was an important court in England. The painting showed the Lord Chancellor, Thomas Parker, and other important judges. This artwork is now at the National Portrait Gallery in London.
Another painting by Ferrers is called Three Ladies of the Leman Family and their Dogs on a Terrace. He painted it in 1728. This artwork is part of the collection at the Tate Gallery.
Ferrers also painted a group portrait for University College, Oxford. This painting showed Thomas Cockman, who was the Master of the college, his brother, and five other college members. The painting stayed with the Cockman family for a long time. In 2008, University College bought it at an auction.
Benjamin Ferrers passed away in 1732. His friend, Vincent Bourne, who taught at Westminster School, wrote a special poem praising him.
