(1786 - 1854)
James Ramsay was born in Sheffield, the son of a carver and gilder who later became a dealer in prints and plaster models. Ramsay initially worked for his father’s business but also advertised himself as a portrait and miniature painter from 1801. In 1803, he moved to London, although he returned to Sheffield for short working stays. He is thought to have entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1805. After his studies he quickly established himself as a London-based portraitist. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, the British Institution and the Society of British Artists. In 1848, he moved to Newcastle upon Tyne, but continued to exhibit at the Royal Academy in London. He died after a long illness at his home in Newcastle.
