John Faed

1819 - 1902

Painter. Born into an artistic family at Burley Mill (near Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway), the elder brother of the artist Thomas Faed (1826 - 1900) and engraver James Faed (1821 - 1911). He began painting miniatures of local dignitaries from the age of just nine and went on to study at the Board of Manufactures School of Design in Edinburgh. He painted scenes from his native Galloway and historical works, drawing inspiration from authors such as Robert Burns (1759-96) and Sir Walter Scott (1771 - 1832).

He was elected an associate of the Royal Scottish Academy in 1847 and rose to full membership in 1851.

In 1864, he moved to London and became known for his miniatures. He summered in Gatehouse of Fleet and returned there permanently in 1880. In 1885, Faed contributed a large picture of the town to be hung in the newly built Town Hall.

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