Thomas Christopher Hofland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Christopher Hofland
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Derby from a Field adjoining Abbey Barns by Hofland
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| Born | 1777 |
| Died | 1843 |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse(s) | Barbara Hofland |
Thomas Christopher Hofland (1777–1843) was a talented English artist and teacher. He was known for his beautiful landscape paintings. He was also a founding member of the Society of British Artists.
Contents
The Life of Thomas Hofland
Thomas Hofland was born in a town called Worksop in 1777. He learned to paint from another artist named John Rathbone. Thomas started his career teaching art in Kew. Later, in 1805, he moved to Derby and worked there until 1808.
In 1810, Thomas married Barbara Hofland, who was a very successful writer. Even though Thomas was a painter, his wife's writing was their main source of income.
Hofland's Art Exhibitions
Thomas Hofland showed many of his paintings in important art shows. He exhibited 72 paintings at the famous Royal Academy. He also helped start the Society of British Artists. He displayed over 100 paintings there. Some people say he helped create this society because he wasn't made a member of the Royal Academy.
In 1819, Thomas worked with his wife on a book. He drew pictures for a book she wrote about a large house belonging to the Duke of Marlborough.
Hofland's Love for Fishing and Nature
Thomas Hofland really enjoyed fishing. He often combined his love for fishing with his landscape painting. He would paint beautiful scenes of nature, sometimes including fishing spots.
In 1839, while living near the River Thames, he published a book. It was called "The British angler's manual" and was all about fishing. The book gave advice on different types of fishing, like fly-fishing and trolling. Thomas said he spent a long time preparing this book. He practiced his fishing skills while he was out painting landscapes.
Hofland's book focused a lot on catching trout. It had many of his own paintings and drawings. These pictures were then made into engravings by an artist named W.R.Smith.
Fishing Spots in Hofland's Book
His book described various counties in England. He paid special attention to Hampshire and Derbyshire. He listed the rivers in Derbyshire, including the River Dove. This river was famous because it inspired Isaac Walton's well-known fishing book. Thomas spent many days sketching and fishing in Dovedale. He often went there with other artists, like Ebenezer Rhodes.
Collaborating on Garden Books
Thomas also worked with his wife on another book. This book described the beautiful gardens of the Whiteknights estate. Thomas drew many pictures for it. His drawings showed the gardens' bridges, fountains, seats, and grottoes. The book was ordered by a wealthy man, but he never paid for it.
Thomas Hofland finally visited Italy three years before he passed away. He died in Leamington Spa in 1843 from cancer.
Hofland's Artistic Legacy
Thomas Hofland's paintings and the engravings made from them are still important today. You can find his artwork in the Government Art Collection. His paintings are also in museums and galleries in Portsmouth, Derby, and Sheffield.
One of Hofland's paintings, called Moonlight, even inspired a poem. A poet named Letitia Elizabeth Landon wrote the poem in 1824.
Images for kids
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Fishing scene at Dovedale by Hofland
