Charles Towne (artist) facts for kids
Charles Towne (born 1763, died 1840) was an English artist. He was famous for painting beautiful landscapes, horses, and other animals. He also painted exciting scenes of horse racing and hunting.
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Life Story of Charles Towne
Charles Towne was born in Wigan, England. His father, Richard Town, was a portrait painter from Liverpool. Charles showed a talent for art when he was very young.
He learned some painting skills from John Rathbone, a landscape painter in Leeds. Later, Charles worked with his brother in Liverpool. They painted coaches and decorations. He also worked in other cities like Lancaster and Manchester. In 1785, he married Margaret Harrison.
Becoming a Known Artist
In 1787, Towne showed one of his small landscape paintings in an exhibition in Liverpool. By the 1790s, he was well-known for painting animals. His style was similar to another famous animal painter, George Stubbs.
From 1799 to 1804, Towne lived in London. During this time, he showed his paintings at the Royal Academy. He also added an 'e' to his last name, changing it from Town to Towne. He became friends with other artists like George Morland and De Loutherbourg.
Later Years and Legacy
Between 1799 and 1823, Charles Towne displayed many of his artworks. He showed twelve paintings at the Royal Academy and four at the British Institution.
In 1810, he moved back to Liverpool. He helped start the Liverpool Academy. He even became the vice-president there in 1812 and 1813. He continued to show his art at the academy for several years. Towne lived in Liverpool until 1837. He then seemed to return to London, but he died in Liverpool in 1840.
What Charles Towne Painted
Charles Towne painted many different subjects. He was well-known in areas like Lancashire and Cheshire for his amazing portraits of horses, dogs, and cattle.
Many of his paintings were small. But sometimes, he created larger landscapes that included cattle. He also used watercolors, which is a type of paint that uses water. He even tried to join the Royal Watercolour Society in 1809.
Famous Animal Paintings
Towne's landscapes often had many small details. He painted animals and people with great care and affection. One of his most famous paintings is of "Old Billy". Old Billy was a very old horse who pulled barges on canals. He is known as the longest-living horse ever recorded!
