John Graham

1754 - 1817

Painter. Born in Edinburgh, Graham trained as a coach-painter and moved to London to work. There he attended the Royal Academy School to train in art and had some success with his painting, which illustrated literary subjects and historical scenes. However he failed to gain election to the Academy and he decided to return to Edinburgh. Through the influence of Sir William Forbes of Pitsligo (1739 - 1806), Graham was engaged as an art teacher in the Trustees' Academy in 1798, becoming Master two years later. He also taught privately.

He taught several important artists, including William Allan (1782 - 1850), David Wilkie (1785 - 1841), Alexander Fraser (1786 - 1865), John Watson Gordon (1788 - 1864), Walter Geikie (1795 - 1837) and David Roberts (1796 - 1864).

Graham died in Edinburgh.

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