Watercolour, The Chapel of St Eucharius, Nuremberg, c.1857; by Sir F.W. Burton, watercolour on paper, Irish School, c.1857

A watercolour depicting a chapel of St Eucharius, Nuremberg.

Sir Frederick William Burton was born at Corofin House, on Inchquin Lake, County Clare, the son of an amateur landscape painter. In 1828 he began drawing at Dublin under the Brocas brothers. He attracted the attention of landscape artist and archeaologist George Petrie, by whom he was influenced for a time. In 1837 he became an associate of the Royal Hibernian Academy an din 1839, a full Member. He chiefly painted miniature and watercolour portraits. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1842. From 1851 to 1858 he studied in Germany, where he obtained some repute. In 1854 he became an Associate, and in 1855, a Member of the Old Water-colour Society. He resigned said membership in 1870 but was elected an honorary member in 1886. From 1874 ato 1894 he was Director of the National Gallery, London. He died at Kensignton in March 1900.

A note on the departmental object files states that the National Art Library holds a letter written by Burton to a William Pole (Poel) when the latter was a boy.

73-1902