Samuel Finney (painter) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samuel Finney
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A miniature work by Samuel Finney, a "Portrait of a Gentleman"
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| Born | 13 February 1719 Fulshaw Hall
Wilmslow, Cheshire |
| Died | February 1798 (aged 78–79) Wilmslow, Cheshire
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| Occupation | Miniature painter |
Samuel Finney (born February 13, 1719 – died 1798) was a talented English artist. He was known for painting tiny, detailed pictures called miniatures. Samuel Finney even became the official "enamel and miniature painter" for Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III.
Samuel Finney's Early Life
Samuel Finney was born on February 13, 1719, at Fulshaw Hall in Wilmslow, Cheshire. He was the oldest son of Samuel Finney II and Esther Davenport.
His family faced some money problems. Because of this, Samuel moved to London to study law. However, he soon discovered his true passion was painting. He decided to leave law and become an artist instead.
Becoming a Miniature Painter
Samuel Finney became a very successful miniature painter. He created his tiny artworks using both enamel (a type of glass-like coating) and ivory.
He started showing his paintings at art exhibitions. In 1761, he displayed his miniatures at the Exhibition of the Society of Artists. A few years later, in 1765, he showed a miniature portrait of Queen Charlotte. This led to him being named the official "enamel and miniature painter to Her Majesty."
Life After Painting
Samuel Finney was a member of the Incorporated Society of Artists. He signed their declaration roll in 1766. He earned enough money from his successful painting career to help his family. He paid off the debts on their old family estate.
In 1769, Finney decided to retire from painting. He moved back to Fulshaw. He became a Justice of the Peace, which meant he helped keep order in his local area. He spent the rest of his life working to stop riots in Cheshire. He also helped with other improvements in his community.
Finney also wrote a detailed history of his own family. Parts of this history were later printed in a book called the Cheshire and Lancashire Historical Collector.
A small portrait of Samuel Finney was owned by one of his family members. This portrait was later engraved by an artist named William Ford.
Samuel Finney passed away in 1798. He was buried in Wilmslow. He was married twice but did not have any children.
