(1754 - 1848)
Writer on art and watercolourist George Cumberland was born in London. He attended the Royal Academy Schools as an honoury student in 1772 and first exhibited at the Academy in 1782. He later visited Paris, Florence, Rome and Switzerland (1785-86). Shortly after his return, Cumberland eloped with the wife of his London landlord and the couple lived in Italy until 1790. His publications include works of poetry and treatise on art, architecture and geology. He settled in Bristol in 1807, where he supported local artists, introducing them to his contacts in the London art world such as Thomas Lawrence, President of the Royal Academy. Cumberland's own watercolours demonstrate the influence John Linnell's work. He died in Bristol, aged 93.
