Norwich School

Founded in 1803 by John Crome and Robert Ladbrooke, The Norwich School of Painters, or The Norwich Society of Artists as it was also known, aimed to create a working environment, where a group of self-taught artists could come and share practices and techniques, with the aim of professional development and patronage. After their initial meetings in a local public house, the society moved to bigger premises where they could show work and hold exhibitions. The first exhibition, held in 1805, was so popular that it became an annual event until 1833. After the death of John Crome in 1921, the society was led by John Sell Cotman until 1834, when, after Cotman's relocation to London, the society finally closed.