William Hilton (painter) facts for kids

Self-portrait by William Hilton, 19th century

The poet John Clare (1793–1864) painted by Hilton in 1820

William Hilton (born June 3, 1786 – died December 30, 1839) was a famous British artist. He was known for painting portraits and large historical scenes. People sometimes called him "William Hilton the Younger" to tell him apart from his father, who was also a painter. He became a member of the Royal Academy of Arts, which is a very important art institution in London.

Life of a Painter

Early Life and Family

William Hilton was born in Lincoln, a city in England. His father, also named William Hilton, was a painter too. He painted portraits and also scenery for theatre shows. Young William learned a lot from his father and even worked with him at first.

The family often traveled with theatre groups around Lincoln. A theatre owner named Fanny Robertson saw William's talent and encouraged him to become a full-time artist. Years later, when William was a successful artist, he painted her portrait.

Becoming a Royal Academician

In 1800, when William was about 14, he started training with a famous engraver named John Raphael Smith. Around the same time, he also joined the Royal Academy Schools. This was a special art school in London.

At the Academy, William became very good friends with another student named Peter De Wint. They were so close that Peter later married William's only sister, Harriett! Peter De Wint often visited William's home in Lincoln and painted many beautiful landscapes of the area.

William first showed his art at the Royal Academy in 1803. He quickly became known for choosing interesting subjects and for his great use of design and color. In 1813, he was elected as an Associate of the Academy. Then, in 1820, he became a full Academician, which is a big honor for an artist. His special painting for this achievement was called "Ganymede."

Famous Works and Later Career

One of William Hilton's most important paintings was "Christ crowned with Thorns," which he finished in 1823. This large artwork was later bought by a special fund to help art collections. In 1827, he became the Keeper of the Royal Academy. This meant he was in charge of the Academy's art collection and looked after the students.

While he was alive, Hilton was very successful with his huge "Grand Manner" history paintings. These were large, dramatic paintings that told stories from history, mythology, or the Bible. However, today, he is more famous for his simpler portraits of famous poets like John Keats and John Clare.

William Hilton was given the "Freedom of Lincoln" award in 1828. This was a special recognition from his hometown.

He passed away in London on December 30, 1839. He was buried in a family grave. Later, his sister Harriett (De Wint) placed a special memorial in Lincoln Cathedral to remember both her brother William and her husband Peter De Wint.

Art in Collections

Many of William Hilton's paintings are now in important art galleries. The Tate Gallery in London owns several of his works, including "Edith finding the Body of Harold" and "Nature blowing Bubbles for her Children." His portrait of the poet John Keats can be seen at the National Portrait Gallery.

In 1921, William Hilton's great-niece, Harriet Helen Tatlock, gave some of his paintings, including a self-portrait, to the Lincoln City and County Museum.

Notable Artworks

Here are some of William Hilton's well-known paintings:

• Murder of the Innocents, 1838
• Edith finding the Body of Harold, 1834
• Venus in Search of Cupid Surprises Diana, before 1820, at the Wallace Collection, London
• Cupid and the Nymphs, 1830, at the Royal Academy of Art Collection, London
• Una and Satyrs, in the Lincolnshire County Council art collection
• Phaeton, around 1820, at Manchester Art Gallery
• John Clare, portrait, 1820, at the National Portrait Gallery, London
• John Keats, portrait, around 1822, at the National Portrait Gallery, London
• Diana at the Bath, around 1820, at Tate Gallery, London
• Nature Blowing Bubbles for her Children, exhibited 1821, at Tate Gallery, London
• Sir Calepine Rescuing Serena, exhibited 1831, at Tate Gallery, London

Images for kids

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  The cenotaph of Hilton at Lincoln Cathedral