Richard Cosway (1742–1821)

• Was a leading English portrait painter of the Georgian and Regency era.
• He was born in Tiverton, Devon, the son of a schoolmaster.
• At the age of twelve he was allowed to travel to London to take lessons in painting.
• Soon after his arrival, in 1754, he won a prize from the Society of Arts.
• He studied briefly with fellow Devonian Thomas Hudson, then with William Shipley, and by 1760 had established his own business.
• He exhibited his first works at the age of 20 in 1762.
• He was one of the first group of associate members of the Royal Academy, elected in August 1770.
•  His wife was the Italian-born painter Maria Cosway.
• He painted the future King George IV in 1780 and was appointed Painter to the Prince of Wales in 1785—the only time this title was ever awarded.

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