Frederick Foot was an accomplished British landscape painter working predominantly in the South-West of England.

Born in Ashburton, Devon, Foot was raised among the picturesque environs of Dartmoor. Where the River Dart winds through verdant hills and rushes over waterfalls. It’s an area steeped in history and Ashburton itself dates to the Middle Ages, a stimulating environment for a young impressionable mind. Foot’s father, Peter Foot, worked as a ‘cordwainer’, a maker of shoes - and young Frederick was probably trained in the family business. However, rather than pursue this as a career, he opted, instead, for creative pursuits.

Apparently self-taught, he was instructed by nature herself. Sketchbook in hand, he studied the nuances of the seasons across multifaceted Dartmoor topography. Like Constable before him, it’s clear that he adored the countryside, often returning to his favourite spots to paint and paint again.

Here, in this piece from around 1860, he’s captured a view of ‘stepping stones’ bridging the shimmering Dart. He rendered numerous views of this river, often including tree-lined banks and occasional figures. There’s a certain charm to his portrayals as if he’s somehow trapped his jubilation within the brushwork itself

His adoration for Devon and his skill for describing it led to several appearances at London’s Royal Academy. Also showing at the Royal Society of British Artists and British Institution during the same period. 

And today, as we look back across his oeuvre, Frederick Foot remains a fine example of an artist who painted for love. After all, given his circumstances, it was probably easier to become a cordwainer.

Exhibited

Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Artists, British Institution, Bath and West of England Society Fine Art Exhibition, The Plymouth Art Club. 

Timeline

1830

Born in Ashburton, Devon, to Peter Foot, a cordwainer, and Mary Foot.

1841

Lived in Ashburton, Devon, with his family.

1851

Lived in Ashburton, Devon, with his family. Occupation recorded as ‘Solicitors Writing Clerk’.

1857

Debuted at the Royal Academy with ‘Buckland Bridge, Near Ashburton, Devon’. He exhibited six works between 1857 and 1863.
Debuted at the Royal Society of British Artists with ‘In Buckland Churchyard, Near Ashburton, Devon, A Study From Nature’. He exhibited seven works between 1857 and 1867.
Debuted at the British Institution with ‘On The Dart, Devon’. He exhibited seven works between 1857 and 1865.

C.1860

Undertook a study trip to Scotland.

1861

Lived in Ashburton, Devon, with his family. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist (Landscape Painter)’.

1871

Lived in Ashburton, Devon, with his family. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist - Landscape’.

1881

Boarded at Lustleigh, Devon. Occupation recorded as ‘Artist - Landscape’.

1891

Boarded at Lustleigh, Devon. Occupation recorded as ‘Landscape Artist’.

1908

Died in Lustleigh, Devon.