Abraham Wivell Paintings

Abraham Wivell was an English portrait painter and inventor who made significant contributions to the art of portrait painting in the 19th century. Born in London on December 1, 1786, Wivell initially apprenticed as a coach painter. However, his interests soon turned towards fine art, and he began a career as a portrait painter.

Wivell's early works were characterized by a strong attention to detail and a commitment to realism, traits that would become hallmarks of his style. While not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Wivell's portraits were well-regarded for their lifelike quality and the skill with which he captured his subjects' character.

In addition to his painting, Wivell was an innovator and inventor, particularly in the area of fire safety. He devised a method for making fireproof theater curtains and also invented a respirator designed to protect firefighters from smoke inhalation. These contributions underscore his diverse interests and his desire to improve the safety and well-being of society.

Wivell's perhaps most notable for his involvement in the reform of the Royal Academy of Arts. He was a vocal critic of the Academy's policies, particularly its exclusionary practices and the way it controlled the exhibition of artworks. In 1837, Wivell published a pamphlet titled 'An Inquiry into the Requisite Cultivation and Present State of the Arts of Design in England,' which criticized the Academy and called for changes to the British art establishment.

Despite his criticisms of the establishment, Wivell was a respected member of the artistic community and continued to exhibit his works at prestigious venues. He was also an active member of the Society of British Artists, a group that sought to provide an alternative to the Royal Academy's exhibitions.

Abraham Wivell died on April 30, 1849, in London. Although he may not be as well remembered as some of his peers, his contributions to portrait painting and his efforts to reform the institutions of art in England left a lasting impact on the art world.