John Burgess

Background

Burgess was the son of portrait-painter, William Burgess (1749–1812), and the grandson of Thomas Burgess (fl 1766-1786).

Career

He was part of the well-known Burgess dynasty of painters who flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. John started off as a painter of flowers and fruit in watercolours, first exhibiting three flower pieces at the Royal Academy, London in 1812. He was then residing at 46 Sloane Square in Chelsea.

He also exhibited at the Suffolk Street Gallery and the British Institution.

The requirements of a growing family eventually compelled him to relinquish painting for the more lucrative occupation of teaching - for many years he held a prominent position as a drawing master. In 1811 he published a book on flower-painting and a treatise on perspective which went to several editions.

Achievements

• At the age of 27, he married Charlotte Smith (daughter of Anker Smith, a well-known engraver), a talented sculptress and silver medal winner at the Royal Academy.

Membership

Among his pupils he numbered several members of the royal family.