Thomas Stothard Black Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Thomas Stothard was a renowned English painter and illustrator who lived from 1755 to 1834. He was born in London and showed a talent for art from a young age. Stothard became a highly respected and prolific artist, creating illustrations for many famous literary works of his time.

Stothard is best known for his book illustrations, particularly for his work on the novels of Samuel Richardson, Oliver Goldsmith, and Laurence Sterne. He also created designs for John Boydell’s Shakespeare Gallery and illustrated editions of John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and “Paradise Regained.” His illustrations were highly detailed and expressive, bringing the characters and scenes to life.

In addition to his illustrative work, Stothard was a skilled painter. He was elected a member of the Royal Academy in 1794 and regularly exhibited his paintings there. Some of his notable paintings include “The Canterbury Pilgrims” and “The Flitch of Bacon.” Stothard lived at 28 Newman Street in Westminster, London, which is now marked with a blue plaque erected in 1911 to commemorate his life and work. Westminster is a historic borough in central London, home to many famous landmarks and cultural institutions.

Throughout his career, Stothard’s work was highly sought after, and he collaborated with many prominent publishers and authors of his time. His illustrations and paintings were widely admired for their elegance, grace, and attention to detail. Stothard’s contributions to the art world have left a lasting legacy, and his works continue to be celebrated and studied by art enthusiasts and scholars alike.