Background
He was born in 1785, was eldest son of Samuel Oldnall, rector of Saint Nicholas, Worcester, and North Piddle, and Mary, daughter of William Russell, esq., of Powick.
He was born in 1785, was eldest son of Samuel Oldnall, rector of Saint Nicholas, Worcester, and North Piddle, and Mary, daughter of William Russell, esq., of Powick.
He graduated Bachelor of Arts in 1804 and Master of Arts
He began his career as an engraver, and executed a few plates, including a portrait of Joseph Richardson, Member of Parliament, after Martin Archer Shee. In 1831 he was appointed miniature-painter in ordinary to William IV and Queen Adelaide, and from 1837 to 1858 held the same post under Queen Victoria. He was knighted in 1837.
Though popular, Newton was never elected to the Royal Academy.
He long resided in Argyll Street, London. After his retirement he moved to 6 Cambridge Terrace, Hyde Park, where he died 22 January 1869.
Newton married in 1822 Anne, daughter of Robert Faulder. She died in 1856. Their son, Harry Robert Newton, an architect, studied under Sydney Smirke.
He died in November 1889.
His collection of drawings and manuscripts went to the Institute of British Architects.