J. and Ladbrooke, R. Crome Paintings

John Crome, often known as Old Crome to distinguish him from his son, John Berney Crome, was an English landscape painter who was part of the Norwich School of painters. He was born in Norwich, Norfolk, on December 22, 1768. Crome was self-taught and drew inspiration from the works of Dutch artists, which he studied intensively. His works often depicted the countryside around Norfolk and were noted for their naturalistic representation and attention to detail. Crome's most significant contribution to the art world was as a founder of the Norwich School of painters, which was the first provincial art movement in Britain. He was also a principal organizer of the Norwich Society of Artists, established in 1803, which became a platform for local artists to exhibit their work.

Robert Ladbrooke was another prominent figure in the Norwich School and was born a year after Crome, in 1769. Although his exact birth date is unclear, it is known that he was Crome's close friend and collaborator. Ladbrooke's work was similar in style to Crome's, focusing on landscapes and often featuring locations in Norfolk. The two artists established a drawing school together in 1803, which was instrumental in nurturing a generation of artists in the region.

John Crome's artistic legacy is marked by his masterful depictions of the English countryside, with works such as 'Mousehold Heath, Norwich' (circa 1810) reflecting his eye for natural beauty. Crome's paintings are characterized by a subtle use of light and shade, and a focus on atmospheric effects. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1806 onwards and had a significant influence on the development of English landscape painting.

Robert Ladbrooke, while less famous than Crome, contributed to the Norwich School with his own distinctive landscapes. His son, John Berney Ladbrooke, also became a well-known painter, continuing the family's artistic tradition. Robert Ladbrooke's work was widely recognized in his time and he exhibited his paintings at the Norwich Society of Artists, among other venues.

John Crome died on April 22, 1821, in Norwich, while Robert Ladbrooke passed away in 1842. Their contributions to British art, especially in the realm of landscape painting, have been celebrated for their originality and influence on subsequent generations of artists. The Norwich School remains a significant chapter in the history of British art, and Crome, alongside Ladbrooke, are remembered as two of its most important figures.