Charles Hayter facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles Hayter
Charles Hayter in 1811, by his second son John Hayter (1800–1895)
Born	Charles Hayter 24 February 1761 (1761-02-24) Shaftesbury, Dorset, England
Died	1 December 1835 (1836-01) (aged 74) Marylebone, London, England
Nationality	English
Education	Royal Academy Schools
Known for	Painter
Notable work	'An Introduction to perspective, adapted to the capacities of youth, in a series of pleasing and familiar dialogues' (1813) 'A New Practical Treatise on the Three Primitive Colours' (1828).
Spouse(s)	Martha Stevenson ​ (m. 1788)​
Patron(s)	Princess Charlotte

A Controversy on Colour, by John Hayter (1800–1895). It shows Charles Hayter (left), his sons John and George, and Edwin Landseer.

Charles Hayter (born February 24, 1761 – died December 1, 1835) was a talented English painter. He was especially known for his small, detailed portraits. These tiny artworks are called portrait miniatures.

Who Was Charles Hayter?

Charles Hayter was born in Shaftesbury, England. His father was an architect and builder. Charles first learned from his dad. But he soon showed a strong interest in drawing. He started by sketching small pencil portraits of his family.

Becoming an Artist

In 1786, when he was about 25, Charles joined the Royal Academy Schools in London. This was a famous art school. After his training, he became a professional painter. He worked in London and other parts of England. He was very good at capturing a person's true look. He showed 113 of his miniature portraits in art shows. Most of these were at the Royal Academy.

A Family of Artists

Charles Hayter married Martha Stevenson in 1788. They had two sons and a daughter. All three of their children became successful artists, just like their father!

• His son, Sir George Hayter, became a very famous painter.
• Another son, John Hayter, was also a well-known artist.
• His daughter, Anne Hayter, followed in her father's footsteps. She also painted beautiful miniature portraits.

Teaching Royalty

Charles Hayter was an expert in perspective. This is an art technique that makes drawings look three-dimensional. He even taught perspective to Princess Charlotte. She was the daughter of King George IV. Later, he was given the special title of Professor in Perspective and Drawing to the Princess.

Books on Art

Charles Hayter wrote books to share his knowledge of art.

• In 1813, he published An Introduction to perspective, adapted to the capacities of youth. This book was written especially for young people. It taught perspective through fun and easy dialogues. He dedicated this book to Princess Charlotte.
• Later, in 1826, he wrote A New Practical Treatise on the Three Primitive Colours. In this book, he explained how all colors can be made from just three main colors.

A page from Charles Hayter's book, A New Practical Treatise on the Three Primitive Colours.

Many of Charles Hayter's sketches for his miniature portraits are kept in the Victoria and Albert Museum. He used these sketches as guides when painting on transparent ivory.

Gallery

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  Baroness Byron (née Anne Isabella Milbanke) (1792–1860), wife of Lord Byron (1812)

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  Portrait of an Unknown Woman and Two Children, about 1800, watercolour on ivory (Victoria & Albert Museum Collection)