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William Powell Frith

Born: Aldfield, North Yorkshire, 9 January 1819
Died: London, 2 November 1909
Nationality: English
Background: 

son of servants and innkeepers

Studies: 

Henry Sass's Academy (1835-37, London); Royal Academy (RA) Schools (1837)

Career: 

1838 - first exhibition - British Institution

1840 - RA debut with Malvolio before the Countess Olivia (untraced - Shakespeare subject)

1852 - elected member of RA

1854 - exhibits Life at the Seaside, Ramsgate Sands at RA; painting is purchased by Queen Victoria

1858 - exhibits Derby Day at RA

1878 - completes Road to Ruin series of 5 paintings (private collection)

1880 - completes Race for Wealth series of 5 paintings (Valdodara Picture Gallery)

1887 - publishes Autobiography and Reminiscences

1890 - retires from RA

1891 - pubishes John Leech: His Life and Work

1902 - last RA exhibition

Commissions from: 

Charles Dickens; Ernest Gambert (art dealer)

Important Artworks: 

Life at the Seaside, Ramsgate Sands, 1854 RA exhibition (Royal Collection, London)

Derby Day, 1858 RA (Tate, London)