Francesco Sleter facts for kids

Francesco Sleter (1685 – 29 August 1775) was a talented Italian painter. He spent most of his career working in England.

He was born in the beautiful city of Venice, Italy. It is thought that he learned his painting skills from a well-known artist named Gregorio Lazzarini.

Sleter's Art in English Estates

Francesco Sleter became very busy painting for wealthy families in England. He created amazing artworks in many grand houses.

Cannons: Stained Glass and Ceilings

Sleter arrived in England by 1719. One of his first big projects was at Cannons. This was the home of James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos.

At Cannons, Sleter designed beautiful stained glass windows for the chapel. These windows can now be seen in the church at Great Witley. He also painted several ceilings in the house. One ceiling showed the Triumph of Victory. Another in the anteroom had a painting about Eternity and Fame. In the main bedroom, he painted a scene about Love and Marriage.

Grimsthorpe Castle: Grand Ceilings

In the mid-1720s, Sleter worked at Grimsthorpe Castle. He painted for Peregrine Bertie, 2nd Duke of Ancaster and Kesteven.

He is known for painting the dining room ceiling with a theme called Liberal Arts. He also painted the staircase ceiling with a scene showing the Triumph of Cybele.

Mereworth Castle: Rococo Designs

At Mereworth Castle, Sleter worked for John Fane, 7th Earl of Westmorland. He painted the ceiling of the long gallery.

This ceiling featured beautiful Rococo designs. It also included various scenes from ancient myths. In the East Bedroom, he painted panels showing playful cupids.

Moor Park: Working with Thornhill

Sleter also contributed to the artwork at Moor Park. Here, he worked alongside another famous artist, Sir James Thornhill.

Sleter painted four special pictures set into the gallery hall. These included scenes like Sileno and Amazzone and Flora and Ercole. He also helped with the large mural paintings in the saloon and on the staircase.

Stowe House: Gardens and Interiors

During the 1730s and 1740s, Sleter worked at Stowe House. He collaborated with the architect William Kent for Viscount Cobham.

He painted ceilings and murals inside the house, such as the Grand Staircase and the State Dining Room. He also painted in several small buildings, called temples, in the gardens. These included the Temple of Venus and the Temple of Friendship. Sadly, most of his garden work no longer exists, except for The Chinese House.

St. Lawrence Church, Whitchurch

Sleter also created mural paintings for St. Lawrence church in Whitchurch, London. This was another project for the 1st Duke of Chandos. The main ceiling of this church was painted by Louis Laguerre.

Later Life

Francesco Sleter eventually retired to Mereworth. A special memorial tablet in the church there remembers his life and work.