Richard Dadd Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Richard Dadd was a talented Victorian-era painter known for his imaginative and meticulously detailed works. Born in 1817 in Chatham, Kent, Dadd showed artistic promise from a young age. He studied at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, honing his skills as a draughtsman and painter.

Dadd gained recognition for his fairy paintings, which showcased his unique style and ability to create intricate, fantastical scenes. In 1842, he embarked on a grand tour of Europe and the Middle East as a companion to Sir Thomas Phillips. However, during this journey, Dadd began exhibiting signs of mental illness, believing himself to be under the influence of the Egyptian god Osiris.

Tragically, upon returning to England, Dadd’s mental state deteriorated further. In 1843, he murdered his father and fled to France, where he was eventually apprehended. Diagnosed with insanity, Dadd spent the remainder of his life in psychiatric hospitals, including Bethlem Hospital in London and Broadmoor Asylum in Berkshire. Despite his confinement, Dadd continued to paint, creating some of his most celebrated works, such as “The Fairy Feller’s Master-Stroke” and “Contradiction: Oberon and Titania”.

Dadd lived at 15 Suffolk Street in Westminster, London, for a period before his mental health decline. Westminster, a historic borough in central London, has been home to numerous notable figures throughout history. The area is known for its iconic landmarks, including the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) and Westminster Abbey.

Although Richard Dadd’s life was marred by tragedy and mental illness, his artistic legacy endures. His works, characterized by their intricate detail, vivid colors, and otherworldly themes, continue to captivate art enthusiasts and inspire new generations of artists.