George Richmond, son of the miniature painter Thomas Richmond, grew up in London, took early artistic instruction from his father and enrolled in the Royal Academy Schools in 1824. As a young man he was part of a circle of artists known as 'The Ancients'- including Samuel Palmer, Edward Calvert and Frederick Tatham - who gathered around William Blake. Richmond's elopement with Tatham's sister Julia in 1831 dramatically affected the direction of his artistic career. From that time onwards, with the assistance of the politician Sir Robert Harry Inglis, Richmond sought to establish himself as a leading portrait painter in England; he was prolific, and was to enjoy the patronage of the British aristocracy and distinguished Anglican clergymen throughout his career. In 1856 Richmond was appointed a member of the Royal Commission for arranging matters in connection with the National Gallery. Later in life, he was offered the Directorship of the National Gallery but declined the position. He was elected a full member of the Royal Academy in 1868 and his extensive knowledge of art made him a valued selector for the Royal Academy's winter loan exhibitions. Honorary degrees from Oxford and Cambridge Universities added further to his distinction.
