John Thomas Smith (1766–1833)

• Also known as Antiquity Smith, was an English painter, engraver and antiquarian.

• John Thomas Smith was born in the back of a Hackney carriage on 23 June 1766.

• His mother was returning home to 7 Great Portland Street.

• He was named John for his grandfather and Thomas after his great uncle, Admiral Thomas Smith.

• John Thomas Smith study with John Keyse Sherwin and at the Royal Academy.

• He gave up his topographical drawing and acting ambitions to compile Antiquities of London and its Environs which was later described as his favourite work.
• In 1796, the young John Constable was introduced to Smith, and he became Constable's informal artistic mentor. 

• Smith published books of engravings and worked as a drawing master in Edmonton.

• In 1807, he published Antiquities of Westminster which has been described as his major work.
• The work had been inspired by paintings found during extension work to the Houses of Parliament on 11 August 1800.
• Smith died from inflammation of the lungs on 8 March 1833 at his home at 22 University Street, off Tottenham Court Road.
• He left Anna Maria (born Prickett), whom he had married 45 years previously, and also an adult son and daughter.
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