James Ramsay (1789–1854) was a British portrait painter, working in oils.[1]
Life
Ramsay was born in Sheffield, where his father Robert Ramsay was an artisan and dealer, who took on Francis Chantrey as apprentice in 1797. Robert Ramsay also published some engravings by John Raphael Smith. While still a youth, James Ramsay was painting professionally in the family business, and exhibited at age 17.[2]
Ramsay died, after a protracted illness, at 40 Blackett Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, on 23 June 1854, aged 68.[3]
Exhibitions
Ramsay's name first appeared in the catalogue of the Royal Academy exhibition for 1803, when he sent a self-portrait. Three years later he exhibited a portrait of Henry Grattan, and in 1810 one of John Towneley. In 1811 his contributions included portraits of the Earl of Moira and Lord Cochrane, and in 1813 that of Lord Brougham, whom he again painted in 1818.[3]
Ramsay also exhibited scriptural, historical, and fancy subjects at the British Institution, including Isaac blessing Jacob, in 1813, The Trial of King Charles the First, in 1829, and The Entry of the Black Prince into London, in 1841; and also a few portraits at the Society of British Artists. About 1847 Ramsay left London for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, but he continued to exhibit at the Royal Academy, where he had another portrait of himself in 1849. He was successful, and painted portraits of members of Lord Clifford's family, James Northcote, Dionysius Lardner, and many others.[3]
Museums and galleries
Ramsay's works are represented in many museums and galleries around Britain, with at least 25 portraits in public collections.[1]
National Portrait Gallery (London): oil of Thomas Bewick; 34 mezzotints by Charles Turner and others, after his drawings.[4]