James Cranke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Cranke
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Self portrait (c. 1751)
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| Born |
James Cranke
23 June 1707 Little Urswick, Cumbria, England
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| Died | 28 October 1780 Little Urswick, Cumbria, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Known for | Painting |
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Notable work
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Portrait of Miss Parker, Portrait of Miss Newnham, sister of Lady Ryder, Portrait of Catherine Fleming, Lady Leicester |
Meet James Cranke, an English painter from a long time ago! He was born on June 23, 1707, and lived until October 28, 1780. He became famous for painting portraits of people.
Early Life and Art Journey
James Cranke was born in a small village called Little Urswick. It's near a town called Barrow-in-Furness in England. He lived there for most of his life.
First, James learned to be a plasterer. But he really loved painting! He taught himself how to paint portraits. A portrait is a painting of a person. He tried to become famous in London between 1737 and 1752.
He went to an art school called St. Martin's Lane Academy. In 1744, he married a woman who had a lot of money. He then opened his own art studio in Bloomsbury Square in London. Some art experts believe he would have painted even more. But he got sick, so he had to move back home. He mostly painted using oil paints on canvas.
Teaching and Family Legacy
James Cranke taught a very famous artist named George Romney. George Romney was born near James Cranke's home. James taught him how to paint when George was just a young boy.
James Cranke also taught one of his own sons, James Cranke Jr, to paint portraits. His son followed in his footsteps.
Because James Cranke and his son were successful painters, their family became important landowners. Later, in 1854, a railway company bought their land. This helped the town of Barrow to grow and develop.
James Cranke was also the father of a mathematician named John Cranke. You can see one of James Cranke's paintings, called the Last Supper, at St Mary and St Michael's Church, Great Urswick.
Images for kids
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Self portrait (c. 1751)
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Portrait of Miss Parker wearing a white dress and blue cloak
