William Mulready (1786-1863). Genre Painter. Born in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland. Son of a leather breeches maker. Moved to Dublin and then to London with his parents. Entered Royal Academy Schools at the age of 14. Influenced by the work of Sir David Wilkie (1785-1841). Began to produce small genre scenes inspired by 17th Century Dutch painting. Married Elizabeth, sister of John Varley, in 1803. Painted theatrical scenery and took pupils to support his family. Worked for many years as a drawing master. Elected ARA in 1815 and RA in 1816. His works became well known through their publication as engravings. In 1840 designed twenty illustrations for Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield which led to the commissioning of related paintings. His later technique of using thin layers of paint over a white ground have given the suggestion of links with Pre-raphaelite painting methods. Exhibited seventy-seven works at the Royal Academy, 1804-1862. Designed the first envelope for Roland Hill's Penny Postage. In the year following his death a large exhibition of his work was held at the South Kensington Museum. His son William Mulready Jnr was also an artist. Ruskin was generally an admirer of Mulready's works. (see Ruskin and Mulready)