(1716 - 1774)
Painter, draughtsman, engraver and watercolourist John Joshua Kirby was born in Parnham, Suffolk; the son of an antique dealer. He initially painted carriages and buildings in Ipswich. However, after meeting Gainsborough, who probably encouraged him as an artist, he began to paint landscapes, publishing a series of landscape etchings in 1748. After studying perspective at the St Martin’s Lane Academy, he became Teacher of Architectural Drawing to the Prince of Wales (later George III). George III later employed him at Kew Palace. Kirby published a treatise on architectural perspective (1761). He was a member of the Free Society and Society of Artists and exhibited his work with both institutions from 1761 to 1771. He died in Kew, aged 58.
