John West

Background

Ewbank was born at Darlington, on 4 May 1799, the son of Michael Ewbank, an innkeeper.

Education

In 1813 Ewbank was apprenticed to Thomas Coulson, an ornamental painter in Newcastle.

Career

Intended for the Roman Catholic priesthood, he was sent to Ushaw College, from which he absconded. In around 1816 he moved with Coulson to Edinburgh, where he had some lessons with Alexander Nasmyth. He found work both as a painter and a teacher.

But, having become a success with history painting, he took to drink, and fell into poverty.

In 1833 he is listed as living at 7 Union Street on the eastern fringe of the New Town in Edinburgh. He died of typhus fever in the infirmary at Edinburgh, 28 November 1847.

Membership

He was nominated in 1830 one of the foundation members of the Royal Scottish Academy.

Connections

Uncle:

River Tees