Lives of Gainsborough by Philip Thicknesse

One of the best loved painters in English history, Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) was also one of the most personally engaging. Bon vivant, wit, amateur and enthusiastic musician, he charmed sitters and friends alike. His ebullient, if not always reliable, personality comes to life in these two memoirs, written by two very different friends. Philip Thicknesse, one of the most eccentric figures of the eighteenth century (he directed that after his death his hand should be chopped off and sent to his son as a reminder of the filial duties the son had scanted) was a close friend and shrewd observer of the painter whom he claimed to have discovered. William Jackson, a distinguished musician and connoisseur, also claimed to have been the first to see Gainsborough’s talent, but after falling out with the painter over his reckless lifestyle, wrote an affectionate but clear eyed memoir. 51 colour illustrations

This publication presents memoirs of Gainsborough by his friends and first patron, reprinted for the first time.

About the Author: Philip Thicknesse, one of the most eccentric figures of the eighteenth century (he directed that after his death his hand
should be chopped off and sent to his son as a reminder of the filial duties the son had scanted) was a close friend and
shrewd observer of the painter whom he claimed to have discovered.
William Jackson, a distinguished musician and connoisseur, also claimed to have been the first to see Gainsborough’s
talent, but after falling out with the painter over his reckless lifestyle, wrote an affectionate but clear eyed memoir.

01 Jan 2019
 

Lives of Gainsborough by Philip Thicknesse ISBN 9781843681663