James Bowen (artist) facts for kids

James Bowen was an English artist and mapmaker who lived in the 1700s. He was born and died in Shrewsbury, a town in England. His son, John Bowen, also became known for studying old things.

Who Was James Bowen?

James Bowen was a talented painter. He was also a topographer. This means he drew and mapped places, especially landscapes. He focused on the history and geography of areas. Bowen spent his life in Shrewsbury, England. He passed away in 1774. His son, John, followed in his footsteps. John became an antiquary, someone who studies old objects and history.

What Did James Bowen Do?

James Bowen loved to explore and record history. He gathered lots of information for a book about Shropshire. This was a county in England. He took detailed notes about churches. He also sketched old statues and copied old documents. He did this while traveling with William Mytton. They explored the county together.

One of Bowen's famous works is a drawing. It shows the church of Mary in the Battlefield, Shrewsbury. He also created many maps.

A historian named Richard Gough bought all of Bowen's notes. These included drawings and historical facts. Later, these valuable materials went to the Bodleian Library. This is a very famous library.