Lot 7145
James Leakey (British, 1775-1865), Travelers at Rest
Lot Details & Additional Photographs
Panel 8 x 10 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 15 1/4 x 17 3/4 in.
Born in Exeter in 1775, James Leakey lived almost all of his 90 years in the city, mostly in Southernhay. Not much is known about his early or personal life, but at the age of 40 he married Eliza Hubbard Woolmer at St Sidwell’s, Exeter, and they had 11 children. One daughter Emily – who died in 1930 at the age of 94 – was the last person to have the right of burial at St Sidwell’s churchyard. As a young woman Emily had co-founded a “Home for Friendless Girls” in London and was known as a witty writer and speaker. Another daughter, Caroline, was also a writer who travelled to Tasmania and was active in charitable and religious organisations in Exeter. Three sons became clergymen. James Leakey was himself a devout Christian and when he retired from painting he spent many of his long retirement years as a preacher.
Leakey’s paintings were popular in the first half of the 19th century and he had a successful career producing landscapes, portraits and miniatures. His work was especially well known in his home-town of Exeter, and in the South West more generally, although he did exhibit several of his paintings at the Royal Society in London at the height of his career. He received the most praise for his portrait miniatures, often executed in oils on ivory with a fineness and delicacy of brushstroke which gave an appearance of watercolour or work on enamel. (courtesy www.ExeterCathedral.com)
Some abrading to surface of panel; minor chipping and rubbing to frame.
