William Peters (painter) facts for kids

Lady Victoria Manners

Matthew William Peters (born 1742, died 1814) was an English artist. He was known for painting people (portrait painting) and everyday scenes (genre painting). Later in his life, he became a priest in the Church of England (Anglican clergyman). He also served as a special advisor, or chaplain, to King George IV. He often signed his paintings as "W. Peters," which is why some people called him "William."

Early Life and Art Training

Matthew William Peters was born in Freshwater, Isle of Wight, England. When he was young, his family moved to Dublin, Ireland. His father was a civil engineer.

Peters started his art training in Dublin. He won awards for his art in 1756 and 1758. In 1759, he moved to London to study with a famous painter named Thomas Hudson. He won another award there.

Studying Art in Italy

From 1761 to 1765, Peters traveled to Italy to study art. This trip was paid for by the Dublin Society. In Italy, he learned from the great "old masters" of art. He even became a member of an art academy in Florence in 1762.

Peters returned to England in 1765. He started showing his paintings at art exhibitions.

Becoming a Royal Academician

In 1769, Peters began showing his artwork at the Royal Academy of Arts. This was a very important art institution in London.

• In 1771, he became an Associate of the Royal Academy.
• In 1777, he was elected a full Academician. This meant he was a recognized master artist.

He went back to Italy in 1771 and stayed until 1775. He also visited Paris around 1783-1784. There, he met other artists and was inspired by their work.

Peters' Painting Style

Experts say that Peters had a very "Italian" way of painting. This was because he copied and learned from many old Italian master painters.

Life as a Clergyman

In 1784, Peters became a chaplain for the Royal Academy. A chaplain is like a spiritual advisor. He held this role until 1788. After that, he became a chaplain to the Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV.

Peters also became a priest in the Church of England. He was given several church positions, called "livings," in different towns. These included Scalford, Knipton, and Woolsthorpe in Leicestershire. He also became a special priest, called a "prebendary," at Lincoln Cathedral in 1795.

Religious and Other Artworks

Even as a clergyman, Peters continued to paint. He created large religious paintings, like Annunciation for Lincoln Cathedral. He also painted The Resurrection of a Pious Family.

Peters also painted scenes for famous plays. He created five paintings for the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery. He also made six paintings for the Irish Shakespeare Gallery. He was known to charge a good amount for his full-length portraits.

Personal Life

In 1790, Matthew William Peters married Margaret Susannah Knowsley. They had five children together.

Peters passed away in Kent, England, on March 20, 1814.