Richard Hooke, Portrait Painter

(fl. 1850-1887)

Portrait Painter

From A Dictionary of Irish Artists 1913

Was born in the county of Down about 1823. He was originally a carpenter, and showing a gift for painting was induced by Andrew Ferguson, manager of the Sion Flax-spinning Mills, to take to portrait painting. Ferguson taught him photography, which he used in his portrait painting. He was patronized by the Marquess of Downshire, whose portrait he painted; and he had a considerable local practice, painting many of the principal merchants in Belfast and the neighbourhood. Latterly he lived in Manchester, where he married a lady with some means. He was an exhibitor in the Royal Hibernian Academy from 1850 to 1856, and from 1873 to 1887.

His works include:

Portrait of Himself. R.H.A., 1851.

Arthur, 4th Marquess of Downshire, K.P. R.A., 1872; R.H.A.,1873.

Dr. James F. Duncan. R.H.A., 1852.

J. C. Ferguson, M.D. , R.H.A., 1852.

Sir William G. Johnson, Mayor of Belfast. R.H.A., 1850.

William Johnson, of Ballykilbeg. R.H.A., 1873.

A. J. Malcolmson, D.D. Lithographed by McFarlane, Edinburgh.

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