Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Gendall, John
GENDALL, JOHN (1790–1865), painter, a native of Devonshire, showed an early taste for drawing, and was sent to London with an introduction to Sir John Soane [q. v.] Soane gave him his first commission, a drawing of one of the windows in Westminster, and introduced him to Rudolph Ackermann [q. v.], the print-seller and publisher in the Strand. Gendall was employed by Ackermann for some years in managing the business, in developing the new art of lithography, and in illustrating publications. He was sent by the firm on a sketching tour through Normandy; Gendall's sketches, with some by Augustus Pugin, were published in 1821 under the title of ‘Picturesque Tour of the Seine from Paris to the Sea,’ the text being by M. Sauvan. On 6 Nov. 1862 Gendall gave an illustrated description of this tour, with the sketches, at Exeter. He drew many views for Ackermann's topographical publications, such as ‘Views of Country Seats;’ and some of his views were engraved in aquatint by T. Sutherland, including three of Edinburgh, some of Richmond, Kew, and other places. On quitting Ackermann's house Gendall settled in the Cathedral Yard at Exeter, where he resided till his death. He now painted for his own recreation and profit, chiefly in oil, and his favourite subjects were the glens and rocky dells of his native county, or the scenery of the Teign, the Avon, and other Devonshire rivers. His paintings were highly appreciated. A friend once passed one off to some connoisseurs as a work of Turner. Turner himself thought highly of Gendall's work. Gendall never aimed at strength in colour, but rather sought to depict the calm repose of nature. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1846, sending two scenes on the Avon. He continued to exhibit up to 1863, confining himself to views of Devonshire scenery. He was considered a very good judge of art; his advice was often sought and always readily given. Though afflicted with a long illness, he worked up to the close of his life. He died at Exeter, 1 March 1865, aged 75. A large collection of his paintings was sold by his executors soon after his death.
[Pycroft's Art in Devonshire (Devonshire Association, xiii. 233); Redgrave's Dict. of Artists; Graves's Dict. of Artists, 1760–1880; Royal Academy Catalogues (Anderdon's illustrated copy in print room, Brit. Mus.).]