Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Boys, Thomas Shotter
BOYS, THOMAS SHOTTER (1803–1874), water-colour painter and lithographer, was born at Pentonville on 2 Jan. 1803. He was articled to George Cooke, the engraver, with the view of following that profession, but when, on the expiration of his apprenticeship, he visited Paris, he was induced by Bonington, under whom he studied, to devote himself to painting. He exhibited at the Royal Academy for the first time in 1824, and in Paris in 1827. In 1830 he proceeded to Brussels, but on the outbreak of the revolution there returned to England. Paying another visit to Paris, he remained there until 1837, and then again came to England for the purpose of lithographing the works of David Roberts and Clarkson Stanfield. Boys's great work, 'Picturesque Architecture in Paris, Ghent, Antwerp, Rouen,' &c., appeared in 1839, and created much admiration. King Louis-Philippe sent the artist a ring in recognition of its merits. He also published 'Original Views of London as it is,' drawn and lithographed by himself, London, 1843. He drew the illustrations to Blackie's 'History of England,' and etched some plates for Ruskin's 'Stones of Venice.' Boys was a member of the Institute of Painters in Water Colours, and of several foreign artistic societies. He died in 1874. The British Museum possesses two fine views of Paris by him, drawn in water-colours, and another is in the South Kensington Museum.
[Ottley's Biographical and Critical Dictionary of Recent and Living Painters and Engravers, London, 1866, 8vo; MS. notes in the British Museum.]