Subject

Painter. Born Birmingham, his mother dying as a result of his birth. Met his life-long friend, William Morris, at Oxford University. Dropped out of his degree and went to London to become a pupil of DG Rosetti. Lived for many years in Rottingdean where his ashes were placed. Died at home at The Grange, North End Lane, Fulham. The first painter to be given a service at Westminster Abbey on the personal intervention of the Prince of Wales. Although he lost his early faith ("Belong to the Church of England? Put your head in a bag!") he did love "Christmas carol Christianity" and produced many medieval Christian designs. Shortly before he died, designing yet one more host of angels, this time for Gladstone's memorial, he groaned "I must by now have designed enough to fill Europe."