BAT | BEA |
supposed to have built some of the fine old mansions in Northamptonshire and the adjoining counties. He died at Wellingborough in 1674, aged 80, and on his tomb is designated as 'architect.'
BATTLEY, John, architect. Was of some local eminence at Leeds, where he erected the theatre and several considerable buildings in the town and neighbourhood. His principal works executed about 1770–80.
BATTY, Robert, Lieut-Colonel, amateur draftsman. Son of Mr. Batty, of Hastings, M.D. At the age of 15 he accompanied his cousin, Mr. Bickersteth, afterwards Lord Langdale, on a tour in Italy, and had the opportunity of cultivating a taste for art, which belonged to his family. He was educated at Caius College, Cambridge, but his destination in life was balanced between arms and medicine, for after entering the army he returned to Cambridge, and eventually took a degree in medicine. But the events of the day probably determined his career, and entering the Grenadier Guards, he served with them during the campaign of the Western Pyrenees and at Waterloo; and he recorded the services of his corps in a quarto volume, illustrated by his own etchings, under the title of 'The Campaign of the Left Wing of the Allied Army in the Western Pyrenees and South of France in 1813-14.' He also wrote a 'Sketch of the Campaign of 1815.' Afterwards he published several volumes of scenery in various countries—'French Scenery,' in 1822; 'German Scenery,' in 1823; 'Welsh Scenery,' in the same year; 'Scenery of the Rhine, Belgium, and Holland,' 1826; 'Hanoverian, Saxon, and Danish Scenery,' 1828; 'Scenery in India,' and 'Select Views of the principal Cities of Europe,' 1830-33. He had also completed drawings in water-colours of views in Spain and Portugal, and had disposed of them for publication, but they have not appeared. He was occasionally an honorary exnibitor at the Academy from 1825 to 1832. He died in London, November 20, 1848, aged 59, leaving a widow and family. His industry was great, his works carefully and truthfully drawn, his architecture correct in its proportions and outlines; and his merits as a topographical draftsman deserve recognition.
BAUER, Francis, F.R.S., botanic draftsman. Was born at Felsberg, Austria, October 1, 1758. He came to England in 1788, and two years after settled at Kew, where he was for 30 years draftsman to the Royal Botanic Gardens, and was appointed botanic painter to George III. A fine collection of his elaborate works is in the British Museum. He died December 11, 1840, aged 82.
BAXTER, Thomas, water-colour painter. Was born in Worcester, where his family were long connected with the china works, February 18, 1782. He was a clever imitator of still life, and rapid in his manner. He excelled in fruit, flowers, and landscape. He also painted some works on porcelain, which were greatly esteemed, especially some miniatures after Reynolds, and a pink service of china, in which the figure was well introduced, 1814-16. He then went to the Swansea works, where he continued three years, returning to Worcester in 1819. Afterwards he went to London, but unable to support himself, he sought employment in the provinces, travelling from place to place; but under his anxieties his health failed, and he died in London, April 18, 1821. He drew the monumental figures, some of which he also etched, for Britton's 'Salisbury Cathedral,' and made two very clever copies of the 'Portland Vase.'
BAXTER, John, architect. Born in Scotland, where, after having studied in Italy, he practised with much ability. He died 1796.
BAYNES, James, water-colour painter. Born at Kirkby Lonsdale, April 1766, and was assisted to become the pupil of Romney, and a student of the Academy. He married, and was on the point of starting for Italy; but his patron, offended by his imprudent marriage, stopped his assistance. He then obtained employment, with but small pay, from a company who proposed to print in oil-colours the works of the old masters. This soon failed, and he fell back upon his art. He also taught, and had several pupils who gained a name in art. He was from 1796 till his death nearly a constant exhibitor at the Academy. His contributions comprised views in Norfolk, North Wales, Cumberland, and later, in Kent. He occasionally introduced figures and cattle. He died 1837.
BEACH, Thomas, portrait painter. He was born at Milton Abbas, Dorsetshire, and early showed a love of art. In 1760 he became a pupil of Sir Joshua Reynolds, and at the same time a student in the St. Martin's Lane Academy. On leaving his master he established himself in Bath, where he gained employment and repute as a portrait painter, and from that city sent portraits (1772-33) to the exhibitions of the Incorporated Society of Artists, of which body he was a member, and a warm advocate in the squabbles which arose. His works are well known in the West of England, and consist chiefly of small portraits and portrait groups. He painted in 1787 the portraits of Mrs. Siddons and her brother in the Dagger scene in 'Macbeth;' and she describes 'her brother's head as the finest she has ever seen, and the likest of the two.' He first exhibited at the Royal Academy
32