Born in Plympton, Devonshire. Came to London in 1753. As a student of Italian art, his work became increasingly classical under the influence of the Bolognese school. In 1768 he was elected the first President of the Royal Academy of Arts and was knighted. From 1760 until his death, he lived and painted in his studio, on the west side of Leicester Square. His work is appreciated by all and he was nicknamed "Sir Sloshua" by the Pre-Raphaelites. His 1813 blockbuster one-man show in London is reconstructed at What Jane saw.
Died in London., buried in St. Paul's Cathedral.
