John Francis (1780-1861)

Artist associated with 4 portraits
John Francis was brought up to be a farmer, but his talent for sculpture caused friends to persuade him into a change of career. In 1810, he went to London where he worked first under Samuel Joseph and then under Francis Chantrey. His work came to the attention of the Duke of Sussex who commissioned small, cabinet-sized busts of his own family and many of his political associates. He also became a favourite artist of William IV, and then of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Francis exhibited frequently at the Royal Academy from 1820 until 1857.