John Gardnor facts for kids

John Gardnor (1729–1808) was an English painter who also became a church leader. He was known for his beautiful landscape paintings and for teaching art. Gardnor's life showed how someone could have two very different but important careers.

Early Life and Art Teaching

John Gardnor started his career as a drawing-master. This meant he taught people how to draw, paint, and even do fancy handwriting called calligraphy. He had his own art school, or "academy," in Kensington Square in London.

In 1763, Gardnor began showing his artwork to the public. He exhibited his drawings and examples of his penmanship with a group called the Free Society of Artists. He continued to show his work there for several years. Interestingly, in 1766 and 1767, some of his students also had their artwork displayed! In 1767, he even won a special prize of twenty-five guineas (an old type of money) from the Society of Arts for his skills.

A New Path: Becoming a Vicar

After his time as an art teacher, Gardnor decided to change his career completely. He chose to join the church and became a priest. In 1778, he was given the important role of vicar at St Mary's Church, Battersea. A vicar is a type of priest who leads a local church. He stayed in this role until he passed away.

As the vicar of Battersea, Gardnor performed many church duties. One notable event was on August 18, 1782, when he officiated at the wedding of the famous poet and artist William Blake.

Returning to Art: Landscapes and Publications

Even after becoming a vicar, John Gardnor didn't stop painting. In 1782, he started exhibiting his art again, this time at the prestigious Royal Academy. He mainly showed landscapes, which are paintings of natural scenery. He continued to be a regular contributor of these beautiful views until 1796.

In 1787, Gardnor went on an exciting trip across Europe with his nephew, Richard. They traveled to places like Paris, Geneva, and along the Rhine River. During this journey, he created many drawings of the stunning scenery he saw.

Publishing His Views

Gardnor decided to share his travel drawings with others. He published them in large books called folio parts. The first part came out in 1788 and was titled Views taken on and near the River Rhine, at Aix-la-Chapelle, and on the River Maese. These pictures were turned into prints using a special technique called aquatint. This technique makes prints look like watercolor paintings. Many skilled artists, including Elizabeth and William Ellis, Robert Dodd, Samuel Alken, J. S. Robinson, and Gardnor himself, helped engrave these views.

A smaller version of these views was published in 1792, with the aquatints done by Gardnor and his nephew. Gardnor also created a series of views of Monmouthshire in Wales. These were for a book called History of Monmouthshire by David Williams, published in 1796. Again, Gardnor and another artist named J. Hill engraved these pictures using the aquatint method.

In 1798, a sermon (a church speech) that Gardnor gave to a local armed group in Battersea was printed.

Later Life and Legacy

John Gardnor passed away on January 6, 1808, at the age of 79. He was buried in Battersea Church, the same church where he had served as vicar for many years. Gardnor is remembered as a talented artist who captured the beauty of landscapes and also as a dedicated church leader.