Frederick Walker (painter)

Frederick Walker ARA RWS (London 26 May 1840 – 4 June 1875 St Fillans) was an English social realist painter and illustrator described by Sir John Everett Millais as "the greatest artist of the century".

Walker was born at 90 Great Titchfield Street, Marylebone in London, the elder of twins and the 5th son of William Henry, Jeweller, and Ann (née Powell) Walker - he was one of 8 children. His grandfather, William Walker had been an artist of some merit, who had exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy and British Institution between 1782–1802. Fredrick's mother was an embroideress, and became the family's chief breadwinner when his father died in 1847.

Frederick received his education at a local school and later at the North London Collegiate School in Camden. He showed a talent for art from an early age teaching himself to copy prints using pen and ink - he also practiced drawing in the British Museum. From 1855–57 he worked in an architect's office in Gower Street but gave up architecture to become a student at the British Museum and at James Mathews Leigh's art school.

In March 1858 he was admitted as a student at the Royal Academy, and later that year also became a part-time apprentice wood engraver to Josiah Wood Whymper in Lambeth. It was here that he met fellow artists J W North and George Pinwell. During the 2 years of his apprenticeship he continued to paint in his spare time, in both oils and watercolours.

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