Samuel Prout (1783-1852). Watercolourist and painter of topographical and architectural subjects. Born in Plymouth. Drawing lessons from the Rev Dr John Bidlake, Headmaster of Plymouth Grammar School in the 1790's. Also encouraged by Mr Palser, a printseller. Employed by John Britton (1771-1857) the antiquary and topographer for whom he made drawings of local architecture. In 1803, copied sketches for Britton from Turner and Cotman. In 1809, he taught at Dr Glennie's school, Dulwich Grove and in 1810 became a member of the Associated Artists in Watercolours. Exhibited at Royal Academy 1803-27 and at the British Institution 1809-18. Initially exhibited landscapes and coastal scenes. Elected member of the Old Water-Colour Society 1819, the year in which he first visited the Continent ( Paris, via Le Havre and Rouen). The central focus of his work was then established, being views of old architectural subjects, streets and markets with related groups of foreground figures. Used a broken craggy pencil line and intricate detailing. Teacher of J. D. Harding c 1811. Author of 18 drawing and travel books including: Picturesque Delineations in the Counties of Devon and Cornwall, 1812, Rudiments of Landscape in Progressive Studies, 1813, Picturesque Studies of Rustic Scenery, 1815, Studies of Boats and Coastal Scenery and Rural Scenery for the use of Young Students 1816, A Series of Views of Rural Cottages in the West of England, 1820, Picturesque Buildings in Normandy, 1821, Illustrations of the Rhine, 1822, Facsimiles of Sketches made in Flanders and Germany, 1833, Interiors and Exteriors, 1834, Hints on Light and Shadow, Composition etc, 1826, Sketches in France, Switzerland and Italy, 1839, Sketches at Home and Abroad, 1844, Prout' s Microcosm, 1841. Elected Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, 1830. Appointed 'Painter in Water-Colours in Ordinary to His Majesty', George IV, 1829. Appointed 'Painter in Ordinary in Watercolours' to Queen Victoria, 1837, and 'Painter in Ordinary in Watercolours' to Prince Albert in 1840. Died 10 February 1852 shortly after attending a birthday party for Ruskin at Denmark Hill, Camberwell, whilst Ruskin was working in Venice. (see Ruskin and Prout)