John Crome
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John Crome (also called Old Crome to distinguish him from his son) (December 22,1768 - 22 April,1821) was an artist in the Romantic era. He was born in Norwich, in Norfolk, England.
The son of a weaver, he was apprenticed to a coach painter. (Another source states that he started out as an errand boy and was apprenticed to a sign painter.)
It is said that he acquired his skills by copying Gainsboroughs and Hobbemas owned by Thomas Harvey of Catton, his patron from 1790. The two main influences on his style are considered Dutch 17th century painting and Wilson.
Crome went on to become the founder of the Norwich school of painters, of which John Sell Cotman is another famous member.
John Crome worked both in watercolour and oil. His oil paintings alone number in excess of 300. Many can be seen at major galleries around the world, including the Tate Gallery and the Royal Academy, but he is also well represented in Norwich itself.
He also produced etchings and taught art. One of his pupils was James Stark.
His son John Berney Crome was also his pupil. He imitated his father and became a well-known painter too.
Crome's Broad and nearby Crome's Farm, to the west of the River Ant and north of How Hill in The Broads National Park are named after "Old Crome".
References
- Murray, P. & L. (1996), Dictionary of art and artists. Penguin Books. ISBN 0-14-051300-0.