Edward Robert Smythe was an industrious Victorian artist primarily known for his charming interpretations of the British rural idyll. Equally adept at animal painting, his repertoire covered a range of popular countryside pursuits. He’s considered to be a peripheral figure of the Norwich School of artists and worked in the circle of John Sell Cotman (1782-1842).

Several works were shown at the Royal Academy and the British Institution. And an oil painting titled ‘The Charge of Balaclava’ is currently at Windsor Castle having been bequeathed to Queen Victoria.

Edward was the brother of painter, Emma Smythe (1819-1877).

1810

Born in Ipswich, England. Son of accountant James Smyth (1780-1863) and Sarah Harriet nee Skitter (1783-1845).

1832

Elected a member of the Ipswich Society of Professional and Amateur Artists.

Probably working under Henry Davy.

c. 1840

Moved to Norwich to study with the Norwich School of Painters.

c. 1845

Returned to Ipswich.

1848

Married Ellen Burman (1827-1879) of Ipswich.

1850

Exhibited at the Suffolk Fine Arts Association.

1850-1861

Exhibited at the Royal Academy.

1851

Moved to Bury St Edmunds.

c. 1870

Bowden Lock, Suffolk. From our own collection.

c. 1875

1886-1898

Exhibited at the Ipswich Fine Art Club.

1889

Exhibited at the Woodbridge Art Exhibition.

1899

Died. Ipswich.