Charles Lewis (painter) facts for kids

Charles Lewis (born in 1753 – died on July 12, 1795) was a talented English artist known for his beautiful still life paintings. Still life art focuses on showing objects like fruit, flowers, or everyday items.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Charles Lewis was born in Gloucester, England, in 1753. When he was younger, he worked as an apprentice for a company in Birmingham. Here, he became quite good at decorating special tea-trays with a shiny finish called japanning.

Later, Charles decided to become a painter. In 1772, he showed his artwork for the first time at an exhibition in London. He displayed nine paintings, which included pictures of fruit and other still life subjects.

A Try at the Stage

In 1776, Charles Lewis moved to Dublin, Ireland. He hoped to find success as a painter there, but things didn't go as planned. Instead of painting, he decided to try something completely different: singing! He got a job as a singer at the Crow Street Theatre in Dublin, thanks to a musician named Michael Arne. However, his singing career didn't become a big hit either.

Return to Painting Success

After his time in Dublin, Charles Lewis traveled to Holland in 1781. When he came back, he settled in London. This is where he truly became famous for his still life paintings. People really admired his work.

He showed three of his paintings at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1786. He continued to exhibit his art, sending a painting of fruit to the Royal Academy for the last time in 1791.

Later Years and Legacy

Later in his life, Charles Lewis moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, after being invited by a person called Lord Gardenstone. However, when his patron passed away, Charles's luck seemed to change, and he faced harder times. He died in Edinburgh on July 12, 1795.

Charles Lewis was married to the daughter of a famous violinist named Thomas Pinto.