Thomas Monro (art collector) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Monro
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Dr Thomas Monro
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| Born | 1759 London, England
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| Died | 13 May 1833 Bushey, Hertfordshire, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Physician |
| Known for | 'The Monro Circle'; art collector |
Thomas Monro (1759–1833) was an important British doctor and a big supporter of art. He collected many artworks and helped artists. He was also the main doctor at Bethlem Royal Hospital, which was a famous hospital at the time. He even advised King George III for a while.
Contents
Thomas Monro: A Doctor's Life
Thomas Monro was born in London in 1759. He was the youngest son of Dr. John Monro. Thomas went to Harrow School and then studied at Oriel College, Oxford. He became a Doctor of Medicine in 1787.
In 1791, he joined the Royal College of Physicians. This was a very important group for doctors. He even gave a special speech called the Harveian Oration in 1799.
Working at Bethlem Hospital
Like his father and grandfather, Thomas Monro worked at Bethlem Hospital. This hospital was also known as Bedlam. He started there as an Assistant Physician in 1787.
In 1792, he became the main doctor, taking over from his father. He also helped care for King George III during the king's illness in 1811–1812.
Thomas Monro left his job at Bethlem Hospital in 1816. This happened after some concerns were raised about how patients were treated.
Thomas Monro: Art Lover and Helper
Monro was also very famous for supporting many artists. He helped artists like Peter De Wint, Thomas Girtin, John Sell Cotman, and William Turner.
The Monro Circle
The group of artists around Thomas Monro was known as 'The Monro Circle'. These artists often met at his home in London. He even had evening classes there, like an art school.
Other famous painters who visited his home included:
- J. M. W. Turner
- Joseph Farington
- Thomas Hearne
- James Bourne
- Henry Edridge
- William Henry Hunt
- John Laporte
- John Varley
Monro had a house in London and a cottage in Fetcham, Surrey. From 1807 until he passed away in 1833, he lived in a country house near Bushey in Hertfordshire.
Thomas Monro also enjoyed art himself. He was an amateur artist and learned from John Laporte.
Monro's Family and Art
Thomas Monro had several children. Three of his sons also became artists, including Henry. It's interesting that a distant relative of Monro, Hugh Andrew Johnstone Munro of Novar, later became a major supporter of the artist J. M. W. Turner.
Images for kids
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Cottage Orné of Dr Monro's (1827) - a sepia ink drawing of Monro's Bushey home, by an anonymous hand
See also
- The Monro family of Physicians
